Malaysia: Wan Junaidi on anti-hopping law: Disagreements ‘yes’, sabotage ‘no’

  • Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has denied that the delay in the legislation of a law to discourage MPs from defecting was due to sabotage.
  • Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of the “MOU committee”, Wan Junaidi conceded some in the government disagreed with the contents of the bill that was originally to be tabled on 11 Apr 22.
  • “There is no political sabotage, just a difference in opinion among those in government,” said Wan Junaidi. He stressed that those with a difference in opinion were not against the law in principle but certain provisions in the bill.
  • Moving forward, Wan Junaidi said the priority now is to amend the Federal Constitution on 11 Apr 22 to eventually pave the way for legislation that would serve as the “anti-hopping” law.
  • He said he cannot comment on when the new legislation will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat because, under Standing Order 11(3), that power belongs to the prime minister after discussions with the speaker.
  • Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to hold a briefing with all MPs and senators on 10 Apr 22 regarding the upcoming constitutional amendment.
  • Wan Junaidi said he was frustrated that the bill he had worked on for eight months could not be tabled on 11 Apr 22.
  • “My personal feelings are not important but I do feel frustrated. After working (on this) for eight months, then you come across a hitch, you will feel it. Everyone (in the meeting) knows that (I am) not satisfied,” he said.

External Link : https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/617262

7-Apr-2022