PKR leader says Hadi's 'baiah' solution for defectors 'misleading'

 

Terengganu PKR chief Azan Ismail has described PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement that tabling of the Anti-Hopping Bill did not need to be rushed as being very misleading.

The former Indera Mahkota MP was responding to Hadi’s remark that PAS has its own way to resolve defections by making its elected representatives pledge an oath of allegiance (baiah).

“PAS as part of the government should not act to mislead Malaysians on their stand.

"How will the PAS president introduce the baiah to all 222 MPs of different faiths and ethnicities?” Azan told Malaysiakini.

Hadi yesterday said PAS has taken the view that the Anti-Hopping Bill required further studies while citing the party’s own way of preventing defection among its representatives.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang

The baiah is an oath of allegiance taken by an individual as a sign of loyalty and commitment to an organisation or political party. 

“What is PAS’ stand if after the general election there are still defections and these ‘frogs’ are left without any actions taken?

“That is why the anti-hopping law must be expedited. Hopefully, the government will not be dragged into taking PAS’ misleading stand,” said Azan.

The long-awaited anti-hopping bill was initially expected for tabling during the last Parliament session, before being postponed to a special sitting to be held tomorrow.

The plan, however, has hit a snag in the cabinet and the government will instead reportedly table constitutional amendments that would regulate freedom of association in regard to party membership. - Mkini