PM: Fixed-Term Parliament Act not a priority, no discussions yet

Anwar Ibrahim has said the enactment of a Fixed-Term Parliament Act (FTPA) is not a priority.

While he looks forward to discussions on the act, he said there has yet to be any deliberation on the matter as it’s “a bit premature to decide”.

“We haven’t obtained any comments from the attorney-general and there is no consensus yet among the leaders of the coalition government. We go through with the process.

“There has been a suggestion, we will look at it. But to me, it’s not a priority,” Anwar told reporters on the sidelines of the “AI Untuk Rakyat” (AI for the people) event at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts & Cultural Centre in Universiti Putra Malaysia today.

This comes after Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed to introduce a special bill to ensure a government remains in power for its full five-year term.

However, it was unclear if Zahid was proposing a Fixed-Term Parliament Act model.

DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

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

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

FTPA study

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said previously said the Legal Affairs Division will be carrying out in-depth studies to get public views on such legislation.

An engagement session with stakeholders will be held soon, with the findings to then be reviewed by the cabinet for policy-making considerations, she added.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar reiterated that the government will study the FTPA, saying it’s not a major problem to go through the process.

“The problem now is because of how it’s being perceived… and attempts by the opposition.

“They (the opposition) are very weak now. They don’t even have one-third of the support (of the Dewan Rakyat). Why do we need to question this?

“My priority is how we can transform this country in terms of governance, digital transformation into a greater nation, that is my priority,” he added.

Dubai Move

While PN denied the existence of a plot to unseat Anwar’s administration, Zahid confirmed that attempts had been made, stating that they had received intelligence reports on a plot meeting in Dubai.

Zahid said the plot - dubbed the Dubai Move - involved lawmakers from the government bloc as well.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor also confirmed the existence of the plot, however, he labelled it the “Chow Kit Move” as he alleged it was discussed in Kuala Lumpur instead.

Since the infamous Sheraton Move in 2020, which led to the collapse of the 22-month-old Pakatan Harapan government, Malaysian politics has witnessed a constant realignment of forces.

In August 2021, Muhyiddin, who spearheaded the Sheraton Move, was forced to resign as prime minister following divisions between him and Umno. - Mkini