Review ouster clause in Societies Act, says Muhyiddin

 

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin is concerned that the anti-hopping law will curb the MPs’ freedom to speak out against their party leaders. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has proposed that Putrajaya review the ouster clause in the Societies Act in view of the anticipated enactment of the anti-hopping law.

Debating the bill to amend the Constitution, Muhyiddin (Bersatu-Pagoh) expressed concern that the amendment pertaining to the freedom of association and ensuing anti-hopping law would curb the MPs’ freedom to speak out against party leaders.

On the definition of party-hopping, the former prime minister said he disagreed that MPs sacked from their parties should be required to vacate their seats immediately, citing the various reasons one might be sacked.

Noting that an MP could be sacked for speaking out against party leaders, he said exemptions should be given for such instances as it would be unfair to them.

“There’s no room for a sacked MP to challenge the sacking in court because of the ouster clause in Section 18C of the Societies Act. An appeal can only be made to the party’s Supreme Council, which would surely be controlled by party leaders. Is this fair?

“If the law will be used in this way, then party members won’t dare to speak out against leaders that make mistakes or who practise corruption, for fear of being sacked and then losing their seat.

“MPs who represent the will of the people will be muted and silenced by the cabal who control a political party. We are putting the interest of political parties first before the people,” he said.

Section 18C of the Societies Act states that any decision made by a party cannot be challenged or appealed against in court.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional chairman, said this section needed to be done away with so that MPs who were unfairly sacked could get justice in court before being required to vacate their seats.

He said this was important so that Putrajaya would not be able to wield the anti-hopping law at its own whims and fancies, pointing out that once the bill was passed, the government would only need a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat to amend the Act.

“Therefore, though I agree in principle with this constitutional amendment to be made to allow the enactment of an anti-hopping law, this must be done carefully,” he said. - FMT