KUALA LUMPUR: The anti-hopping law should be replaced with a recall act as the former has been exploited by political parties, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

The MCA secretary-general said the right to determine the fate of elected representatives should be returned to voters without jeopardising the principle of freedom of association.

“The anti-hopping law has become a laughing stock.

“If the opposition can simply show support for the government, isn’t that a form of party-hopping?

“We should introduce a recall act to replace the current anti-hopping law,” he said when met after opening the 49th Wanita MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

A recall act allows for voters in a constituency of a defected MP to initiate a petition that, with majority support, can trigger a by-election.

The MCA Bill Committee initially proposed a House of Representatives Recall Act on Sept 6, 2021, which would allow constituents to remove MPs for defections or misconduct not covered under disqualifying offences in the Federal Constitution.

Chong, in his speech earlier, reiterated his call for the government to reinstate the goods and services tax (GST), saying that such reluctance has resulted in people’s suffering.

“The benefits of GST are well-known and recognised globally as the most transparent and equitable tax system by industries, experts and scholars alike.

“It broadens the tax base and stabilises government revenue, enabling more resources for economic development and public services. But it was demonised for political purposes, leading the current government to shy away from reinstating it and resorting to various indirect taxes,” he said.

Citing the recent tax recovery controversy faced by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Chong said other non-profit educational and medical institutions could soon be targeted.

“Let’s be frank, GST is a transparent and fair tax regime. It’s time to stabilise the financial foundation of the country and go back to GST,” he said.

Chong also raised concerns that the government has increased the use of restrictive laws, such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Sedition Act, with reports indicating that Malaysia leads in requests for content removal on platforms like TikTok and Facebook.

“We should not be perceived as a country that suppresses freedom of speech, considering the number of comments being deleted on social media,” he said, adding that the government should embrace media oversight for transparency, not suppress criticism.

Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong said as female voters in the 15th General Election reached 50.17%, women must now actively participate in politics and strive to become candidates.

She said since the proportion of women voters has now exceeded half of the total voters, women have the bargaining power to demand more female candidates; otherwise, the required 30% female quota would remain just a slogan.

“It is also an advantage that can motivate women to strive to become candidates in national elections. Female candidates can also better connect with more women.

“In this, Wanita MCA’s establishment of a talent pool is urgent. This is one of the three main policies of our new central leadership and we must cultivate more high-quality female members,” she said.

On another matter, Wong said more effort is still needed to achieve gender equality in Malaysia despite the recent passing of the constitutional amendment on citizenship on Thursday.

Wanita MCA has a committee to look into the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to make sure children born to Malaysian mothers, especially overseas, get citizenship.

Also present at the event were Barisan Nasional Wanita secretary-general Datuk Rosni Sohar, who is also Wanita Umno’s secretary, Wanita MIC chief Saraswati Nallathamby and her deputy Dr P. Thanaletchumy as well as former Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Rosni, who represented Wanita Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, expressed gratitude for the long-standing unity shared among Barisan component parties.

“This unity is evident, especially during recent by-elections, where we achieved significant majorities – something unattainable without support from the Wanita and Youth wings of MCA and MIC,” she said.

There were 1,732 Wanita delegates, with 843 (48.67%) in attendance.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/20/replace-anti-hopping-law-says-mca