LETTER | Anti-hopping law: The beginning of a new political culture

LETTER | The 209 votes in favour of the anti-hopping law clearly signal a new beginning in Malaysian political culture, where elected representatives put the voters before personal interest and gains. 

We now have a chance to reset, and act in ways that bring about a culture of political integrity, trust between voters and their elected representatives, and a culture of accountability. 

This is a chance to reinstate the true meaning of democracy - one where the voices of voters are respected.

Kudos to YAB Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as Ketua Majlis, and to YB Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Santubong) as chair of the Anti-Hopping Law Parliamentary Special Select Committee, together with the multi-party representatives in the committee.

Thank you also to the media for disseminating information on party-hopping and sharing developments at every stage of the anti-hopping law.

We still have a long way to go. I hope that the passing of the anti-hopping law will

encourage us to reach for greater heights in working together on further reforms and to cultivate a political culture of integrity and democracy.

Finally, congratulations (in advance) to Malaysian voters of GE15 - this time you will get what you vote for!

AZALINA OTHMAN SAID is the Member of Parliament for Pengerang.

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