Parliamentary caucus formed to prevent party hopping

A parliamentary caucus to reform the country's electoral system was officially formed today with the aim to find ways to prevent party hopping among politicians.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) of Malaysia chairman, Anthony Loke said, IPU Malaysia in its meeting today has agreed to propose Padang Rengas member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz as the chairman of the caucus.

He said, the bipartisan parliamentary caucus members would comprise representatives from all political parties in the country.

"The members have also been tasked with preparing a report on the mechanism that can be used to reform the country's electoral system within six months and it will be presented to the government," he told a press conference at the Parliament building here today.

Also present was Mohamed Nazri.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Nazri described party hopping as an and immoral act that could undermine the country's stability.

“We have been facing this problem for over 30 years and nothing was done...anti-hopping law, could not be enacted as it could prevent MPs from exercising their human rights.

“So we must do something, we can think of ways to stop it once and for all…we have to stop this by hook or by crook,” he said.

Mohamed Nazri said the caucus would hold discussions with constitutional experts, non-governmental organisations, Bar Council as well as academicians to get their views and input on the matter. - BERNAMA