Senators must also be bound by anti-hopping law, says Nazri

 

BN whip and Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz says senators appointed by political parties are, in a way, ‘elected’. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Senators appointed by political parties must also be bound by the anti-hopping law, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Debating the bill on the constitutional amendment to facilitate the tabling of the anti-hopping law today, BN whip Nazri Aziz said the senators were, in a way, “elected” by the people since they were appointed by “people-elected state legislative assemblies”.

However, he said, those appointed from professional groups and ethnic minorities do not have to be bound by the anti-hopping law since they are not party nominees.

“I do not think the Dewan Negara is not equally important as the Dewan Rakyat,” the Umno MP for Padang Rengas said. “Their roles are important in passing this (anti-hopping) law. Therefore, the senators (appointed by political parties) must also be bound by this law.”

Nazri cited the example of several senators who defected to Pakatan Harapan after the 14th general election (GE14). Their defection, he said, led to the rejection of the fake news bill tabled by the then BN government.

“We were affected by this. Therefore, a clause should be included in the constitutional amendment that binds these senators (to the anti-hopping law).”

Nazri said the rights of the people who elect their political representatives must be prioritised over the rights of the elected representatives who party-hop.

“We always hear that the MPs have their freedom of association and that we have to think about that as well.

“No, we need to prioritise the rights of the voters who have placed their faith in the candidates chosen by the political parties.

“I want the party (not its candidates) to have ownership of the seats. This is very important since the party gives the watikah (letter of candidacy) to its candidates,” he said. - FMT