KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) has urged an immediate halt to the trend of political defections from the opposition to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Its information chief Chan Quin Er said while support for the unity government is appreciated for political stability and public welfare, maintaining a robust opposition is crucial in any democratic system.
"However, it is important for them to play their roles in maintaining checks and balances on the government.
"This would help in preventing the emergence of a dictatorial or autocratic rule that could potentially neglect the interests of the people," she said in a statement today.
Chan said, there is also a growing concern about allegations that some MPs were promised rewards for supporting the Prime Minister.
"These are serious allegations that could tarnish the reputation of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia.
"The public is certainly confident that he will explain these allegations, especially since the 'bribery' claims made by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) can affect his image.
"He is also known for his strong stance against corruption, having reportedly given approval for the anti-corruption body to investigate any ministers involved in corruption," she said.
Previously, media reported that four MPs from Perikatan Nasional had pledged their support to Madani's government.
They are Jeli MP Zahari Kechik, Gua Musang MP Azizi Abu Naim, Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman, and Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid.
Following this, Bersatu suspended Suhaili for six years and Iskandar Dzulkarnain for four years.
She also questioned the effectiveness of the Anti-Hopping Act, which is seen as not strong enough to curb 'political frogs'.
"The emergence of these 'political frogs' reflects that the people continue to be used as an excuse to satisfy the personal desires of certain individuals who seem unable to live without positions and power," she said.