00:00Sabahans can expect greater political stability after the upcoming election
00:05as assemblymen are now barred from switching parties or coalitions
00:09under the state's anti-homping law, say constitutional lawyers.
00:13Introduced by Chief Minister Haji J. Noor and passed by the State Legislative Assembly in May 2023,
00:19Sabah's constitution now provides that assemblymen who switch parties must vacate their seats,
00:25triggering a by-election.
00:26Lawyer Firuz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin said this would make assemblymen reluctant to give up their seats
00:32and reduce the risk of government changes before the state assembly's five-year term ends.
00:38Lawyer Bastian Payas Van Dargen said the law leaves gaps,
00:42as assemblymen can still back rival parties without leaving their own.
00:47He said the value of independent candidates would skyrocket if their numbers proved to be decisive in forming a government.
00:53Meanwhile, a Sabah-based lawyer said the 1.8 million voters must give a clear majority to one party or coalition
01:01to ensure smooth and stable governance after the election.
01:05Natasha Bust, FMT.
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