Chief minister: Sabah to table anti-hopping law during state assembly sitting that begins tomorrow
KOTA KINABALU, May 21 — Sabah will table the anti-hopping law during the four-day state assembly sitting that begins tomorrow, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He once again refuted allegations by the Opposition that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government had intentionally delayed the matter for its benefit.
He also said that there was a set procedure that the state government had to follow before the law’s tabling.
The anti-hopping law involves an amendment to the state constitution, and this requires approval from the head of state and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before it can be tabled in the state legislative assembly, he said in his opening remarks at a pre-council meeting today.
“So, it is not true as claimed by the Opposition that we are purposely delaying it. We have to comply with procedures,” he said.
The chief minister said the State Constitution Amendment Bill needs a two-third majority in the State Assembly in order to be passed.
“I am confident that the Bill will get the full support from the GRS and Pakatan Harapan members.
“I also urge the Ipposition representatives to support the Bill, since they have also advocated for the anti-hop law to be passed in Sabah,” he said.
The State Constitution Amendment Bill is among four Bills to be tabled in the first meeting of the fourth term of the state assembly from May 22 to May 25.
Political observers and Opposition like Sabah Muda and Parti Warisan have insinuated that the state government has intentionally delayed adopting the law to strengthen its own position to allow crossovers from other parties.
They have been urging the state government to expedite the adoption of the anti-party hopping law after eight lawmakers from Warisan and Umno left their party to join Gagasan Rakyat in March.
Sabah was reportedly supposed to adopt the anti-hopping law following the Federal Constitution amendment in November last year but postponed the move.
Meanwhile, Sarawak approved an amendment to its state constitution to prohibit its members from changing political parties mid-term on November 22 last year.
