Vote delayed, PSC to refine anti-hopping definition first
PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat was not able to vote on a constitutional amendment bill that was tabled at a special meeting today.
Instead, the House resolved to form a new Parliament Select Committee (PSC) to refine the bill aimed at discouraging MPs from switching parties...
PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat was not able to vote on a constitutional amendment bill that was tabled at a special meeting today.
Instead, the House resolved to form a new Parliament Select Committee (PSC) to refine the bill aimed at discouraging MPs from switching parties.
This followed a marathon debate session by 59 MPs who provided various suggestions on the bill.
The 11-member PSC will have three tasks:
1. Refine what constitutes restricting MPs from switching parties and codify it in the Federal Constitution;
2. Study proposals to abolish Article 48(6) of the Federal Constitution and other necessary constitutional amendments; and
3. Prepare a statement which will contain proposals on the bill restricting MPs from switching parties.
Like other select committees, the new PSC will be able to invite MPs, legal experts and other interested parties for their hearings.
This committee is supposed to complete their task within one month, but they can seek an extension if necessary. Members of the committee are:
Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (GPS-Santubong, law minister)
Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang)
Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas)
Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut)
Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu)
Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti)
Gobind Singh Deo (Harapan-Puchong)
Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (Harapan-Sepang)
Wilfred Madius Tangau (Harapan-Tuaran)
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Harapan-Kulim Bandar Baharu)
Ignatius Darell Leiking (Warisan-Penampang)
Wan Junaidi told the Dewan Rakyat that the idea to have a PSC scrutinise the bills further was hatched during a meeting between Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, himself and Pakatan Harapan representatives.
According to a statement by Harapan's presidential council, Ismail Sabri had pledged that a new special meeting of the Dewan Rakyat will be held before the end of May.
Reporting by Kow Gah Chie, Geraldine Tong and Ng Xiang Yi.
