PM: Target for Anti-Hopping Bill in Parliament in July

(The Star) – A target has been set for the Anti-Hopping Bill to be tabled during the Parliament meeting in July, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this, however, depends on how fast a special committee – set up to draw up proposed laws – works on it.

“This is our target and we hope the special committee will work on the proposed bill and present it to the Cabinet. The government has no intention to delay the tabling of the law or not to table it at all,” he said.

Ismail Sabri added that the perception that the government is not sincere about having the law in place is the work of certain parties or groups wanting to create confusion.

He said this after a briefing session for lawmakers and Dewan Negara members ahead of the tabling of the constitutional amendment in Parliament on Monday (April 11).

On why Opposition lawmakers did not attend the briefing, the Prime Minister said they had their pre-council meeting, as per usual practice before Parliament sits.

“No, they are not boycotting. I have been informed of this and they have told me that they will attend my buka puasa later,” he said.

Four Opposition MPs – Ipoh Timur, Bandar Kuching, Labuan and Kalabakan – attended the briefing.

Ismail Sabri said Monday’s special sitting would see Article 10 of the Federal Constitution amended, which is a necessary move before the Anti-Hopping Law can be put in place.

“From statements I read, all parties had said they will support. I hope there will be no issue of the amendment not being passed,” he said.

The special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat to table and debate the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2022 will take place on Monday and a special sitting of the Dewan Negara will be on Tuesday (April 12).