He denied claims made by the opposition that his administration was trying to delay the tabling of the anti-hopping law.

“Claims by the opposition that we are purposely delaying it are not true, we have to comply with procedures,” he said in a statement.

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chief said the enactment involves an amendment to the state constitution and, therefore, requires the approval of the head of state and the King.

He said he was also confident that all his allies in GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) will back the move and called for the opposition to throw in their support as well.

“I also urge opposition representatives to support the bill, since they have advocated for the anti-hopping law to be passed in Sabah,” Hajiji added.

The State Constitution Amendment Bill is among four bills to be tabled in the first meeting of the fourth term of the state assembly from May 22 to May 25.

Political analysts and the opposition, including Sabah Muda and Warisan have accused the state government of intentionally delaying the passing of the law to bolster its own position and make it easier for crossovers from other parties.

This was after eight Sabah assemblymen from Warisan and Umno quit their party in March to join GRS.

So far, seven states have enforced the anti-party hopping law, following amendments to their respective constitutions.

They are Selangor, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Sarawak.

This was after the anti-hopping law which prohibits MPs from switching parties was passed by the Dewan Rakyat in July 2022. The law was then gazetted and came into force on Oct 5, 2022.