The Pakatan Harapan government has been urged to stop crossovers of MPs and state assemblypersons from opposite camps, some barely a day after the new prime minister was sworn-in.

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia coalition (GBM) said the rakyat had given Pakatan Harapan the mandate to rule because they wanted a clean break from the past.

However, it said the unconditional acceptance of these “crossover” MPs and assemblypersons to Harapan ranks was viewed as a betrayal of the rakyat’s trust.

In a statement, GBM said it strongly objected to the culture of "party-hopping” because it envisaged a competitive multi-party competition in future elections rather than a monopoly by a single coalition.

“We look forward to a strong and credible opposition which will keep a check on the political process and the rule of law.”

GBM, which comprises of 16 NGOs, also stated that those who voted for BN in the recent polls should also have their right to representation.

It pointed out the new administration should not disenfranchise these voters by accepting crossovers from BN or by denying funding to BN constituencies.

GBM urged the leadership of Harapan to take heed of the rakyat’s concern of the “unhealthy crossover culture”.

“We look forward to the new political stewardship of Harapan protecting and flourishing the authentic values and spirit of democracy in Malaysia,” said the body.

'Line in the sand'

A statement from the Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak) also condemned the party-hopping, citing the widespread anger at the Perak constitutional crisis in 2009, which saw the downfall of the then-Pakatan Rakyat state government. 

"Those who hop out of BN to Harapan, evidently to join the victors, clearly betray the people who voted for them and their party.

"We cannot hold double standards, with Harapan accepting these defectors, especially when many in Harapan had condemned the Perak assemblymen who switched camps in 2009."

Gerak also reminded Harapan that they stood on a platform of reform and integrity.

"Granted, reforms take time, but Gerak holds that certain lines must be drawn in the sand now and mustn't be crossed, and party hopping is one of them," the statement read.