KUALA LUMPUR: Set up a Parliament bi-partisan select committee to resolve the anti-hopping issue once and for all, says Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz (pic).

       "The rakyat is fed-up, bored and annoyed with politicians who do not place the interests of the people above their self-interests.

       "And that is why today, be it an MP, state assemblyman or senator, they are all viewed as belonging to a profession that is despised and hated by the rakyat," said Nazri (BN-Padang Rengas) when debating Budget 2022 at the policy stage in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 22).

       Nazri said this in reference to the recently held Melaka state polls.

       He said there had been two changes in state administrations since 2018 due to assemblymen switching alliances.

       "Nobody wanted the recent state polls to go on, as we are still in the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis.

       "But owing to the selfish actions of four assemblymen, the election was forced to be held," he said.

       Nazri proposed to Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun to immediately set up a special select committee to address the issue.

       He said Azhar could chair the committee, which should be represented by parties in the House.

       Alternatively, Nazri urged Minister in charge of Law and Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to take the matter up with the Cabinet.

       He said this would allow time for the Attorney General's Chambers to carry out the necessary paperwork.

       He noted there was less than two years before the next general election to have such laws in place.

       "I assure you, that you will get the support from all MPs and the entire rakyat, who are also fed up with party hopping," he said.

       There had been repeated calls for anti-hopping laws following the "Sheraton Move" in February 2020.