Noor Ahmad, the Penang Umno information chief, said Umno should strengthen its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with other government component parties to ensure political stability.

“The MoU should include clear provisions for a ‘cooling-off period’ before any party accepts new members from another component party – especially high-ranking ones – to ensure mutual stability and fairness,” he said in a statement.

Noor also said the unity government should set up a disciplinary committee to investigate cases of “member poaching”, in tandem with an improved MoU.

“Component parties should also consider amending their constitutions to prohibit any defecting member from holding coalition positions if they switch to another party within the alliance,” he added.

Yesterday, the Umno Supreme Council reaffirmed its position that it is inappropriate for parties within the unity government to recruit members from other component parties.

Although no names were explicitly mentioned, the statement is widely believed to refer to the move by Tengku Zafrul, the former Kota Raja Umno chief.

“Constitutionally, there is little to prevent such ethically questionable moves,” Noor said.

He said that Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of association, including the right to join any political party.

He also said that the anti-party hopping provisions in the Federal Constitution do not apply to Tengku Zafrul, who was appointed as a senator and subsequently made the investment, trade and industry minister.

“Let me be clear – I am neither opposing Umno’s Supreme Council decision nor defending Tengku Zafrul’s actions.

“Instead, Umno would do well to strengthen its MoU with other component parties in the unity coalition,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul, whose Senate term ends in December, announced his decision to resign as an Umno member and to step down from all party posts on May 30. He also expressed his intention to join PKR.