Don’t forget Umno backed anti-hopping bill, Melaka DAP reps tell Rauf

 

Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh had expressed hope the state would be the first to have ‘zero’ opposition. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: DAP’s Khoo Poay Tiong has reminded Melaka’s chief minister that Umno supported the anti-hopping bill, which was passed in Parliament last year, after Ab Rauf Yusoh invited two Perikatan Nasional assemblymen to join his administration.

The Kota Melaka MP hoped that Rauf, who is the Melaka Umno chief, would not forget that the party fell victim to “frogs” – a term used to describe defectors – that triggered the collapse of the state government in 2021.

“They lost the state due to those who jumped ship,” he told FMT.

On Thursday, Rauf expressed hope that the two PN assemblymen would join the state government before an anti-hopping bill is tabled in the state assembly in July.

He had hoped that Melaka would become the first state to have “zero” opposition.

Khoo said Melaka should stick to the principles of the anti-hopping bill that was passed in the Dewan Rakyat in July 2022.

The ultimate goal of the anti-hopping bill was for every state to adopt it, Khoo said.

And while Melaka had yet to do so, “we have to maintain that spirit”, he added.

“I hope Rauf thinks twice about his proposal. For me, it’s not a good idea.”

Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee of DAP also urged Rauf to rethink the proposal, saying Melaka endured political turmoil twice in the past five years due to defectors.

Former state housing, local government and environment executive councillor Tey Kok Kiew said there was no issue in inviting PN to join the unity government.

“But calling on them to switch parties before or after the Melaka anti-hopping bill is approved should not happen.”

He said that Rauf already had a strong line-up and expressed confidence that the chief minister would be able to carry out his duties well.

However, Melaka PKR deputy chief Rafee Ibrahim said he welcomed Rauf’s move to invite the PN leaders.

Rafee said there was nothing much the two – Sungai Udang assemblyman Aleef Yusof and Bemban assemblyman Yadzil Yaakub – could do.

“Hence, they should put their political ideologies aside and work together for the people of Melaka.” - FMT