Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan described Parti Warisan assemblymen as “hypocrites” for not fully supporting the Constitution of the State of Sabah (Amendment) Enactment 2023 Bill tabled by the Chief Minister on Thursday, which contains a new provision to prevent elected assemblymen from switching parties.
“The anti-hopping law has been passed, it’s good that we have passed it.
The only thing that we are not happy about is how the opposition have been pushing hard for it, but when the time came, they did not support it…so we say they are hypocrites.
“Fourteen (Warisan assemblymen) voted against it, but they have been pushing hard for it before this,” he told reporters when met after he chaired the State-level Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee meeting at Sokid Villa, here, Friday.
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The 14 Warisan assemblymen supported the anti-party hopping amendment, but were against the removal of Article 6(7), which were tabled separately.
Deleting Clause 7(6) allows any member of the State Assembly to be appointed Chief Minister if the person commands the confidence of the majority of the House.
The person does not have to be the leader of the political party with the most elected representatives.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey said the Kaamatan celebration this year is more inclusive as it goes national with the involvement of more West Malaysian states as well as Sarawak, particularly in the widely anticipated Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant.
“We foresee this year’s Kaamatan celebration to be more lively and inclusive. International agencies are also involved, so this year we are starting to globalise our Kaamatan event.
“With international publicity of Kaamatan, it is hoped that it would attract more tourists and investors to come to Sabah,” he said.
The month-long Kaamatan celebration will culminate at Hongkod Koisaan on May 30 and 31.
Jeffrey said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to grace the event on May 31, while the closing ceremony will be officiated by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
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