Minister in charge of parliamentary affairs Azalina Othman Said believes that the time is ripe to introduce laws to prevent lawmakers from switching parties while in office.
"It is not just a question of loyalty to party and political integrity but also (to prevent) the betrayal of the people's mandate. We cannot compromise on this.
"This (may) include amendments to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution on freedom of association to prevent conflicting laws in the future," said Azalina in a post on her Facebook page today.
Azalina was referring to claims that there BN MPs, including those from Umno, are receiving overtures to "topple" the current federal government.
She hoped that the disciplinary committees of respective BN component parties will investigate the claims.
"If they are found to be true, stern action must be taken. We cannot compromise on issues of sabotage and betrayal, which are also against the principles of democracy in this country," she said.
'Show your loyalty'
She added that BN MPs should openly pledge their allegiance to the coalition in order to put an end to the speculation.
On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that a lawmaker from Umno was securing statutory declarations from some BN and opposition MPs to state they have majority control of the Dewan Rakyat.
Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid claimed that the person has since repented.
However, a list of 20 BN MPs who were allegedly involved in the plot is currently being circulated online.
Two MPs - Hasbulah Osman (Gerik) and Noraini Ahmad (Parit Sulong) - have denied involvement in the plot.
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