'Massive disappointment', says Umno, opposition MPs, social media users after anti hopping laws delayed
SHAH ALAM - Opposition MPs and social media users have join hands with Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to express disappointment after the anti-hopping law was deferred again, this comes just two days after the prime minister assured that it will be tabled on April 11 during a special parliamentary session.
Klang MP Charles Santiago said it is an internal issue between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.
"As for Pakatan Harapan, we are completely in support of it," he told Sinar Daily.
However, he cautioned that the deferment puts the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in jeopardy as both sides are suppose to table the anti hopping laws by July.
"It shows the government is not strong enough in managing these sorts of issues." he said adding that they will wait for a briefing with the government on Sunday, 4.30pm.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadli said as far as MPs are concerned, the special briefing session on April 11 is still scheduled to take place. .
"We will have a joint MOU Steering Committee and Anti-Hopping Law Technical Committee meeting today to go through the final draft, as well as to look at the timeline to ensure the anti-hopping law is passed as the prime minister has given his commitment," he added.
Zahid, in his Facebook page last night had said the delay was a "massive disappointment" for Malaysians who have been waiting for such an act to be tabled as people want an elected administration.
He had said Umno was the most affected after several MPs had jumped ship after BN lost in GE14.
He further questioned if there is an "enemy within" for causing the delay and said the Cabinet needs to take a firm stand on the matter as there seem to be lack of assertiveness on the matter.
"I have stated that the present understanding between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismal Sabri Yaakob with PH needs to be evaluated as it seems to be weak in tabling and passing the bill," he said.
Zahid, the Bagan Datuk MP further said the deferment was also a "big blow" to Pakatan Harapan who have an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with he government and are not ready to face the elections.
Due to that, he said it was time for Umno to be firm on the issue to prevent anger with the rakyat.
Tweeter handler Lee sh said: "General election is meaningless. So please dun tell people that this govt is by the people n for the people."
NagaAnna said: "What is your problem? Can you table anti party hopping laws, amend archaic laws of this country, repeal useless obsolete laws instead of wanting to strengthen the hand of anarchy."
Yesterday, Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said the bill, which was scheduled to be tabled in a special Dewan Rakyat sitting on April 11, had been deferred as the Cabinet was still looking into the finer details.
However, Wan Junaidi said the special Dewan Rakyat sitting will go ahead with the tabling of a constitutional amendment to facilitate the tabling of the bill.
The anti-hopping laws was suppose to be tabled during the last Parliament sitting in March but was brought forward to April 11.
