ISKANDAR PUTERI: Elected representatives should be policy makers instead of making themselves available to the highest bidder, says a Johor state assembly representative, in urging immediate discussion of laws to curb party-hopping.

       Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (pic) (PH-Simpang Jeram), who is also Pulai MP and Parti Amanah Negara deputy president, said the matter was important to keep Parliament and state legislative assemblies from being places to buy and sell seats, dignity and self-esteem.

       “I would like to emphasise that we are lawmakers elected by the people to make important policies for the country and not become political prostitutes.

       “We recommend that all parties, including the government, agree in putting forward the anti-party-hopping Bill,” he said in his speech when debating Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s decree during the state assembly meeting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here on Monday (Sept 6).

       He added that this was important for Malaysia to achieve political stability soon as the country and its people were still battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Salahuddin also said he agreed with Sultan Ibrahim’s Aug 11 reminder to assemblymen not to mar the proceedings with bad behaviour as this was an august House and not a monkey cage.

       “As elected representatives, we need to help and get closer to the people in an effort to curb the pandemic.

       “Secondly, we must work to revive the country's economy while in the short term, we must reach out to the B40 and M40 that are affected by the pandemic," Salahuddin added.