GEORGE TOWN, March 14 — The Penang government enforcing its anti-hopping law that was passed 10 years ago is part of democracy, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today.

He said the state legislative assembly had to force the four Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblymen to vacate their seats under the anti-hopping law.

"We know why they need to vacate their seats,” he said in response to comments by Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) deputy president Datuk Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor that the Pakatan Harapan state government is now "arrogant” due to a lack of strong Opposition in the state.

Mohamad Ezam also said the vacating of the four seats was bad for democracy.

"I feel insulted by such a statement from a person who used to be part of the Reformasi movement and who had also fought for change, democracy and human rights,” Chow said.

He said it was a reality that previously, party hopping had caused the fall of the federal government, and this was why there is now also an anti-hopping law in the Federal Constitution.

"Penang introduced this anti-hopping law 10 years ago and it showed that we had vision as we do not want democracy to be hijacked by those with personal interests,” he said.

"If this is not democracy, then is the Sheraton Move democratic?” he asked.

Mohamad Ezam also said PRM plans to contest in 15 seats in Penang in the upcoming state elections to present a strong Opposition in the state.

Chow said they are welcomed to field candidates in the state elections.

"Anyone from any party, even independent candidates, can contest in the state elections, it is a democracy,” he said.