THE tabling of an anti-party hopping bill and a two-term limit for prime minister must be finalised first under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Transformation and Political Stability between the Federal Government and Pakatan Harapan (PH) before the next polls.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these two items under the MoU must be approved in the next parliamentary session to prevent an elected government from being overthrown due to party hopping.
He added that MPs have been invited to give their feedback on the proposed anti-party hopping law amendments and the 10-year limit for prime minister in a stakeholders’ engagement exercise next week.
The engagement session will be held with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Penang, he said, had already established an anti-party hopping law and also limit the chief minister’s post to two terms.
He added that the signing of MOU between the Pakatan Harapan and the Federal Government last year was instrumental in transforming the political landscape of the country.
He also encouraged the people to not give up in defending the democracy in the country despite the political instability that has taken place in the country.
“As voters we should not give up on the democratic system in the country.
“We might have given up on the politicians who have hopped party, or on the political parties which have destroyed people’s trust, but we should never give up on our country’s hope.
“Therefore, no matter how hard it is, we have to continue defending our democracy. And if you find any party or politician not prioritising the people’s hopes and desires, you can bring those people down.
“We have to defend the future of our country as well as our future generations,” Chow said after distributing 500 meal boxes, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, to Seri Delima residents today.
Chow said he believes the 15th General Election would be held soon, after the middle of this year or early next year, depending on the Covid-19 situation.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said that a Bill on anti-hopping laws, which is being finalised, would be tabled in the Parliament meeting in February-March.
The Penang government, Chow reiterated, would not go for snap polls like what a few other states had done.
“In Penang, we are not going to have snap polls like a few other states.
“In fact, the state government respects the wishes of the voters in the state to not have snap polls till the next national polls.
“Do you want to have snap polls in Penang?” Chow repeatedly asked the Seri Delima constituents who responded with a resounding ‘No’ during the event at Karpal Singh neighbourhood park in Island Glades today.
Chow expressed his gratitude to Penangites for consistently supporting the state government.
“We will continue our best effort to serve the people till the end of our term.
“We are now facing various challenges in the political arena as many politicians do not respect the wishes of voters during the polls.
“They have cast their votes to elect their elected representatives, but self-interest of certain quarters has caused political instability.
“The disunity and lack of strong support within the Federal Government have resulted in a period of uncertainty in the country.
“Hence, I hope all the political parties and even politicians can respect and honour the wishes of the people who had voted for them,” he said.
Chow said he was glad to be back to Seri Delima to visit the constituents after various activities and programmes have been curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also wished everyone present a happy, prosperous and healthy Year of the Tiger.
Meanwhile, Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the gathering was a gesture of appreciation towards the residents in her constituency in conjunction with the festivity.
She also expressed her hopes for a great year ahead.
After visiting the Karpal Singh neighbourhood park in Island Glades today, Chow and Syerleena also met the residents at the Hunza Complex in Greenlane Heights.
Over there, a total of 800 meal boxes were prepared to be distributed to the residents.
Those present received their meal boxes from Chow and Syerleena whilst adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Also present during the event were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors Darren Quah and Tan Soo Siang.
Story by Edmund Lee & Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud & Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad & Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis