PAS has taken Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to task over his proposal to introduce a bill in parliament aimed at retaining a particular government until the end of its term.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that any attempt to restrict or invalidate democratic principles through new laws as proposed should be rejected and nullified.
According to him, it is an established by law and an accepted practice that a change of government outside a general election is allowed under the federal constitution.
“PAS is wondering what factors have pushed a senior and veteran leader like Ahmad Zahid to make such a novel proposal, especially after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim repeatedly claimed that his government has the support of more than two-thirds in parliament.
“Is Ahmad Zahid not convinced by the claim or is he so desperate to remain in power that he is willing to turn his back on the constitution and democracy just as he did to defend his position as Umno president despite going against the decision of the majority of members and grassroots of the party?”
Zahid, who is Umno president, said yesterday that such a law would prevent the recurrence of instances where the prime minister was changed three times during the 14th parliamentary term.
He said the bill should specify that once a government, whether led by a dominant party or a coalition, obtains the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s approval, it should remain in office until the end of its term.
“If not, there will be a (repetition) of the previous instances which would be detrimental to the country and people as a whole,” he said.
Reacting to Zahid’s call, Projek Sama, a group advocating institutional reforms, today urged the government to enact a “Fixed Term Parliament Act” (FTPA) in the upcoming parliamentary session in March to bring stability and accountability.
In a statement today, Takiyuddin described Zahid’s move to propose the bill as desperate to the point of being absurd.
He said that parties challenging the existing government’s position can prove that they enjoy the support of the majority either in parliament or through other channels permitted by law.
He said that this is in line with the principles of democracy practised not only in Malaysia, but in other countries as well.
“The constitution is very clear in this regard, and it has been made known to all that this condition of majority support is the basis for the formation of a government legally, either following the general election or at any other time,” he said. – The Vibes, January 14, 2024
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