Big tent concept would not exist if anti-hopping laws are passed, says PJ MP

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Bersih activist Maria Chin has told Putrajaya to carry out election reforms before calling for general elections, adding that the big tent concept would not exist if anti-hopping laws were passed.

The Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin said there are discrepancies within the electoral system that need to be looked into to stop the abuse of power and corruption. She told Sinar Daily Politically Frank over the possible "red flags" that need to be looked into. For instance, Malaysians abroad could not vote in the last general elections due to a lack of facilities and capacity to vote.

Chin also stressed the need to vote for anti-hopping laws in Parliament before the 15th General Elections.

"If we do not have anti-hopping laws, voters will not come out to vote because they might not want to vote for politicians who jump from one party to another," she said, referring to the last two years since the infamous Sheraton Move which saw the sudden collapse of the elected Pakatan Harapan coalition in 2020 and later Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's administration, a year later.

Chin also spoke on the big tent concept where several opposition parties could work together to go against Barisan Nasional. She said the big tent concept should only exist if anti-hopping laws were passed.

"As an opposition member, we have a lot of unfinished business. Unfulfilled reforms and we need this opportunity to be in the government so that corrupt leaders do not become the next prime minister.

"Pakatan Harapan is a tent of three parties (PKR, DAP and Amanah), let's move forward, the people's agenda is the key," she said when asked if she is for or against the big tent concept.

Chin added the electoral watchdog, Bersih had created awareness of poor governance among the public. However, she said the rakyat wants to see an improvement in the economy, social and political arena.

"It's all about the people. Their income needs to be increased, we need to relook at food prices so that it is affordable.

"We need a social security scheme since the current scheme we have now is not helping the people. People need jobs and better income to leave comfortably," she said.