Should defecting lawmakers resign their seats first?

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Defecting Lawmakers Should Resign Seats First, Cites Penang's Anti-Hopping Law

Penang's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition will not accept political defectors, with state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo asserting that lawmakers wishing to switch parties should first resign their elected positions. This stance is underpinned by Penang's state anti-hopping law, enacted in 2012, which mandates that a member of the state assembly must vacate their seat if they resign from their political party.
Penang's Stance on Political Defectors

Jagdeep Singh Deo, representing the DAP, clearly stated that Penang PH will not accommodate individuals who switch political allegiances. He emphasized that such defectors should consider resigning from their current elected roles before seeking to join the ruling coalition. This principle aims to ensure that elected representatives remain accountable to the voters who supported them under their original party's banner.
The 2012 State Anti-Hopping Law

The legal framework for this position is Penang's anti-hopping law, passed through an amendment to the state constitution in 2012. This enactment, specifically Article 14(A)(1) of the Constitution of the State of Penang (Amendment) Enactment 2012, stipulates that an assembly member elected as a candidate for a particular political party is required to vacate their seat upon resigning from that party.
Upholding Voter Mandate and Conscience

Singh Deo argued that lawmakers elected under a specific party's platform have no inherent right to retain their seats if they choose to abandon that party. He invoked a "court of conscience," suggesting that defectors should consider the dismay of their constituents who voted for them based on their initial party affiliation. The implication is that such a move betrays the trust and mandate given by the voters.

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Should defecting lawmakers resign their seats first?

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