KUCHING: The proposal for Sarawak's consent to be sought before any anti-party hopping law is implemented in the state is in line with the state's equal partner status in Malaysia, says a Sarawak minister.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was right for Sarawak to be consulted on important legislative matters, which would affect the state.
"Since Malaysia was formed by three regions, anything to do with important decisions like this should get the consent of all regions.
"You don't just bulldoze them through," he told reporters after announcing the upcoming Spartan Race Sarawak at a press conference here on Monday (April 18).
However, Karim said it was premature to say whether this matter would be brought up in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting next month.
On Sunday (April 17), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the proposed anti-hopping law would have to get Sarawak's consent first before being enforced in the state.
He said the matter was raised by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during an engagement session on the proposed law.
"It’s a far-sighted suggestion by the Premier and I think nobody would dispute it.
"I stand on the same ground as the Premier regarding the question of the state’s autonomy to decide its laws.
"It is not for the Federal Government to decide for the state," Wan Junaidi said.
Constitutional amendments to pave the way for an anti-hopping law are currently being referred to a parliamentary special select committee for further scrutiny.
Wan Junaidi had tabled the Constitution (Amendment) (No.3) Bill 2022 for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on April 11, which sought to introduce a new Clause 3A to Article 10(1) of the Constitution to allow for the introduction of laws to prohibit party hopping.
Article 10(1) guarantees freedom of association.
The House debated the amendments but did not vote on them.