KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14: The federal government is considering Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s suggestion to enact a Fixed Term Parliament Act.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Dato Sri Azalina Othman Said said there are many countries which practise a fixed-term parliamentary system to ensure political and economic stability as well as to prevent any coup attempts that could harm the country’s parliamentary democracy.
A fixed-term parliament, she added, would also ensure that all reform agendas and policies can be implemented continuously without interruption.
“This year, the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) will continue an in-depth study and an impact study as well as obtain the views of the public with regards to the introduction of the Fixed Term Parliament Act, where the results from this comprehensive study will be used for policy consideration by the Federal Cabinet.
“In addition, an engagement session with all stakeholders will be held in the near future,” she said in a statement today.
She also denied that the proposed Act by the unity government is a desperate step to cling to power and said it instead, reflects the government’s commitment to respect the election mandate, democracy process and ensure political stability.
Yesterday (Jan 13), Free Malaysia Today reported that Zahid has proposed that a special bill be tabled to prevent any future attempts at overthrowing an elected government.
He emphasised that such a bill was important to allow the elected government to administer the nation without being threatened by its political enemies. — DayakDaily
