The Selangor government will consider enacting an anti-hopping law for political parties if top leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sanction the move.

NONE Noting that this is a “political issue”, Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference in Shah Alam today that other matters have higher priority.

Among these is to give more attention to candidates to be fielded in the upcoming 13th general election.

“To me, the (anti-hopping enactment) is not (such a) big (issue). The issue is that Pakatan should learn from past experiences and be more careful in choosing its representatives (to contest the polls),” he explained.

“(We should also decide) whether those who have been chosen are ready to represent the party.”

The Penang government has declared its intention to table an anti-hop enactment at the November sitting of the state legislative assembly.

Initially, the move appeared to have clashed with PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s efforts to persuade two Sabah leaders to leave BN and become pro-Pakatan representatives.

However, Anwar said yesterday that he has no problem with the enactment.

Khalid also said Selangor will hold the state-level celebration of Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day at Dataran Shah Alam, at 8.30pm tomorrow.

There will be cultural performances, as well as a parade of some 56 contingents from the army and NGOs.

The highlights include a silent march by the Royal Malaysian Navy and a speech by Anwar.

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