FTPA doesn't mean PM can't be replaced - PKR MP

A PKR MP has asserted that the widely talked about Fixed-Term Parliament Act (FTPA) will not give the prime minister absolute and full power.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari explained that the FTPA will only limit that the administration must be governed by the winning coalition after a general election.

“The prime minister can still be replaced, but only (by a candidate) within the ruling parties,” he said.

This comes after PKR’s Pasir Gudang parliamentarian Hassan Abdul Karim objected to a proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to introduce a special bill that will ensure a government remains in power for its full five-year term.

Hassan was quoted by FMT as expressing his concerns that the act would “create a dictatorial government” and that Zahid’s suggestion was inappropriate in Malaysia – a country that practices a democratic system where the party or coalition with the majority support becomes the government.

Zahid’s proposal came after an alleged move by the opposition to topple the present administration.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin denied any attempts to overthrow the government but pointed out that the Federal Constitution would allow for it.

Taufiq was among several government backbenchers who have thrown their support behind the idea of an FTPA.

“It’s a good suggestion, I support it (Zahid’s proposal) to ensure political stability in the country.

“When a government is elected, it is then given the space and opportunity to govern until the end of the term.

“Secondly, Malaysians won’t need to guess when the next general election is or when the Parliament will be dissolved,” Taufiq told Malaysiakini.

He said, for instance, if a general election was held on Jan 1, 2020, the administration would govern for five years with the next election held on Jan 1, 2025.

Multitude benefits

Meanwhile, Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee pointed out three benefits for Malaysia should the country embrace a fixed-term Parliament, akin to other international precedents.

Howard Lee

“Politically, it would end the cycle of unpredictable leadership changes, ensuring a steady hand at the helm of governance.

“Economically, this stability is a cornerstone for investor confidence, which is essential for reversing the decline in foreign direct investment and kickstarting economic growth.

“Socially, a fixed-term Parliament could provide the much-needed respite from political upheavals, allowing for a focus on inclusive and comprehensive socio-economic development,” Lee said while quoting political systems in other countries in the likes of Australia, Norway and America that practice semi-fixed and fixed term, respectively.

Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan and Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng - who joined the chorus in support of Zahid’s recommendation - also shared similar sentiments when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Elaborating on the matter, Lee opined that preserving the current government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with its supermajority is not merely a political decision but a strategic imperative.

“It is the bedrock upon which Malaysia can rebuild its image as a stable, prosperous nation,” the DAP MP added.

Deeper discussions

As for Miri parliamentarian Chiew Choon Man, while he welcomes all suggestions aimed at instilling stability in the current government, he said Zahid’s proposal should be discussed among constitutional and legal experts.

The PKR MP also called on schools and civil society to hold more discussions so that the people have a better understanding of the matter.

Chiew Choon Man

“The closest legislation from foreign jurisdiction that can be referred to is in the UK Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.

“Of course, a series of debates were sparked back then from passing this legislation until it was subsequently repealed,” he added.

Earlier, institutional reforms advocacy group Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama) opined that an FTPA can prevent attempts to overthrow a sitting government through statutory declarations (SDs) forcing conspirators to move through Parliament.

Projek Sama also highlighted that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can reject any request by the prime minister for early dissolution unless the premier loses power.

Meanwhile, de facto law minister Azalina Othman Said said the Legal Affairs Division will be carrying out in-depth studies to get public views on such legislation.

She added that an engagement session with stakeholders will also be held soon, with the findings to be then reviewed by the cabinet for policy-making considerations. - Mkini