KOTA KINABALU: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said there was no need for an anti-hop law in Malaysia which practised democracy, which among others, accorded freedom of association to the individual, including in politics.
“If any party wants to prevent its leaders from switching to another party, particularly those who opted to do so after having won in the election, then it should screen and reject potential hoppers as candidates earlier before the polls.
“Not many countries have an anti-hop law. What is important is that we imbue good values among politicians so there is discipline and consistency in their party’s struggle,” he told reporters when asked to comment on a proposal by Penang DAP for an anti-hop law at the Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Papar Umno Youth chief on Saturday.
He described party hopping among politicians as a disgusting and immoral act.
On certain Barisan Nasional leaders who had openly declared support for the opposition Pakatan, Shafie, who is also rural and regional development minister, said he was confident the people of Sabah were mature enough to make the appropriate decision in the coming general election.
“Admittedly, the political scenario in Sabah is colourful, but it is not something unusual in the state,” he said. — Bernama