MPs unanimously pass anti-hopping bill

The constitutional amendment bill preventing MPs from switching camps was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today with an overwhelming 209 votes out of 220. 

Every MP present voted in favour of the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill (No. 3) 2022 on Provisions Preventing Members of Parliament from Switching Parties while the remaining 11 were absent. 

The passing of the bill today also fulfils a key point in the memorandum of understanding signed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob with Pakatan Harapan (PH), the coalition which suffered a string of defections in 2020 leading to the downfall of its 22-month government.

Ismail said yesterday that there was no need for a new MoU in writing as the understanding meant to ensure the well-being of the people and political stability in the country could still be continued.

He also said that several matters stated in the MoU would be implemented, such as the constitutional amendment to prohibit MPs from changing parties and the political funding law.

Ismail earlier said that under the anti-party hopping bill, MPs who jumped ship would lose their seats. 

However, he said MPs would not lose their seats if they are dismissed by their party or if their political party is dissolved or deregistered.