Establish a fixed-term Parliament, Dzulkefly Ahmad tells govt

 

PARLIAMENT | Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad has proposed for the government to establish a fixed-term Parliament to minimise political instability. 

Dzulkefly (above) said with the establishment of a fixed-term Parliament, the dissolution of the august House will only be called when its term ends, which is after five years. 

As such, he said the government given the mandate to rule can carry out its duties without any interference. 

“This is also meant by madani. There will be clarity for the people to manage their lives and their businesses. 

“The opposition can play the check and balance role on this. 

“A fixed term parliament is needed so that there are no puzzles (teka-teki) or backdoor government,” Dzulkefly, a former health minister, said when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat.

Harapan had promised such a law

Previously, Pakatan Harapan had pledged to introduce a Fixed Parliament Term Act if it wins the general election and forms the government. 

Harapan’s manifesto committee communications director Rajiv Rishyakaran was reported as saying by The Edge Markets that such a law would ensure that the dissolution of Parliament and the state legislatures would only be called at the end of their terms to minimise political instability.

Rajiv Rishyakaran

For the record, this is practised in countries such as Sweden, Australia, Norway and the US.

Rajiv pointed out the lack of a check and balance when the Parliament was hung during the implementation of the movement control order. 

Opposition commended for its shadow cabinet

“This had led to allegations of irregularities in governance and procurement that are now being reviewed by MACC,” he added. 

Dzulkefly commended the opposition bloc on the formation of a shadow cabinet, saying it needs to be recognised, as this is so in most countries that practise the Westminster system of Parliament.

“I am sure the opposition has no problem acting as ‘His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition’ and being given infrastructure, research officers, emoluments and a little remuneration. 

“They can play the role to ensure a healthy democracy in the Parliament and that the check and balance system is implemented to make the 15th parliamentary term a unique one.”

On Feb 2, Perikatan Nasional (PN) announced its line-up of parliamentarians tasked to lead "portfolio committees" who will function as a shadow cabinet, including responding to various policies introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration.

Aside from Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin was named as "chief of PN MPs", with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang as his deputy.

Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, said the MPs were assigned portfolios based on individual interests and expertise, and their inputs would be released as statements issued by the PN secretariat. - Mkini