KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has welcomed and supported the passing of the anti-party hopping Bill by the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Its President Tan Sri T.C Goh also hoped it would effectively end the infamous culture of party-hopping among the elected representatives in Sabah, and bring the much-needed political stability and development for the state.
“This (passing of the anti-hopping Bill) is a historical and very significant day for the people of Sabah!” he said.
He acknowledged that the culture of party-hopping among the elected representatives has troubled political parties and brought uncertainty to the state, all these years.
Hence, the passing of the anti-party hopping Bill was necessary to put an end to the infamous trend.
In a statement issued today in response to the passing of the said Bill by the State Legislative Assembly, Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) said: “Sabah is the state which desperately needed such a law, and it was unanimously supported and passed by lawmakers from both sides of the divide. It was truly a long-awaited moment for the people of Sabah.”
Goh who is also a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) hoped that, with the said Bill coming into effect, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor would be able to work closely with the ‘unity government’ led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to better develop Sabah in all fronts.
“Just like what the Chief Minister has said, there should be no more worries about elected representatives hopping parties. The amendment of the Bill was indeed timely and very much in line with the anti-party hopping law of the Federal government,” he added.
He was also convinced that the passing of the said Bill would boost the State government’s morale and confidence to bring greater development for Sabah.
He also opined that if there’s any flaw or shortcoming in the said Bill, it can be further discussed and improved.
What really matters now is to get the Bill passed, so that it would effectively stop the elected representatives from party-hopping and to better improve our democratic system, so that it is more mature.-pr/BNN
