Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said called on Members of Parliament and elected officials to complete their entire five-year term before making personal political decisions such as vacating their seats or switching parties. She emphasized respect for the people's mandate in remarks delivered during the launch of the AIAC Pro Bono Commercial Mediation Initiative on May 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Azalina said prematurely resigning from parliament disadvantages voters who have fulfilled their duty by voting. "Have some sympathy for the people, especially the voters in Pandan," she told reporters. "In my view, the rakyat expect their elected representative to remain present. At the very least, they should be able to knock on the MP’s door if they are dissatisfied or unable to obtain assistance" [3].
She acknowledged that politicians have a democratic right to resign or switch parties but urged them to prioritize responsibility while Parliament remains in session. "As long as Parliament has not been dissolved, during that five-year term of service, fulfil the responsibility first. After that, if they wish to contest again or join another party, that is entirely up to them," Azalina said [3].
Her remarks came after Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad officially informed the Dewan Rakyat Speaker on May 18 that they were vacating their seats with about 18 months remaining before Parliament's automatic dissolution [3].
Azalina noted that these resignations appear to contradict Malaysia’s anti-party hopping law aimed at protecting electoral mandates and political stability [3]. She said party leaders should focus on service and responsibility rather than early defections or seat vacancy [1, 2, 3].
Regarding the cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan in the unity government, Azalina pointed to the mediation clause in their agreement and said Cabinet meetings continue to run smoothly. "We have a mediation clause in the agreement between PH and BN. In my view, any party that is dissatisfied should use that clause because it is an agreement that we mutually agreed upon," she said [1].
Azalina’s remarks highlight calls for stability and voter respect as Malaysia approaches the next parliamentary cycle. The Parliament's term will next expire automatically in about 18 months, setting a deadline for elected representatives to fulfill their mandates [3].
