LETTER | It is a worrying development that party hopping has become a cemented political culture in the country. The latest political defection by certain politicians indicates a continuous unhealthy trend that has plagued the country’s political landscape where the Perikatan Nasional government and Pakatan Harapan Plus are equally guilty.

Some politicians may argue that they are against party hopping, but the fact that they are completely silent when party hoppers join them, and make all the noise when the hoppers go to the other side, speaks volumes of their integrity.

If politicians are really sincere against party hopping, they must make a public stand even though MPs or assemblypersons have shown interest to join them. They should reject these politicians outright.

There is a difference between breaking away from a coalition that is oppressive and unjust to the rakyat, and breaking away because one wants a better allocation for one’s constituency. Promising such allocation can be construed as bribery and those receiving it are also equally guilty. The authorities and their cohorts who used such tactics should be investigated and charged if there is a case.

I have met quite a number of people lately who had turned out in great numbers and enthusiasm in the 14th general election to reject a kleptocratic government, who told me that they might not vote again in the upcoming general election since the value of their vote seems to be secondary to these petty, unethical politicians who are power- and position-crazy.

The frustration of the voters should not be taken lightly. Furthermore, if one looks further, one can see that the immorality of political hopping seems to be centred on the betrayal of a political party or the rakyat, without linking it to the larger aspect, where national security and sovereignty could be jeopardised by politicians who could be easily convinced or given material benefits to jump ship.

In other words, it seems that there are certain politicians who can be bought and sold and this has significant security ramifications.

We wonder whether these same politicians can be bought over by foreign powers who might stand to gain if the former comes to power? This could be seen in the context of the geopolitical rivalries in the region.

Therefore, party hopping must not be merely regarded as an electoral betrayal but should be linked to the impact on the country’ sovereignty in the long term. The implications of such behaviour to the country should propel law enforcement bodies to immediately investigate party hoppers and find out the real reason for their defection.

Party hopping could be a threat to national security and sovereignty in the long run if it is going be taken lightly by the authorities.

RONALD BENJAMIN is secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.