KUALA LUMPUR: The government will look into the suggestion to introduce a fixed-term Parliament bill, with research to be conducted this year.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Legal Affairs Division would undertake research as groundwork for the bill, with its findings being presented to the cabinet to deliberate on the policy direction.
She however did not reveal the timeline or details on when it plans to present the matter to cabinet.
In agreeing with the suggestion by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Azalina told the New Straits Times on Saturday that the call for a fixed-term Parliament bill was an excellent suggestion as it would provide both political and economic stability.
"As is Malaysia's experience, sudden and unpredictable changes in government have resulted in voters being disillusioned, and has disrupted policy plans.
"All these come at an economic cost to Malaysians. A fixed-term Parliament bill will allow for effective long-term policy planning, implementation of reform agenda and promote foreign investor confidence.
"In 2024, the Legal Affairs Division will undertake research as groundwork for this bill and the research will be presented to cabinet to deliberate on the policy direction," she said.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, Azalina said there were many countries that practiced fixed-term parliaments with agreed timelines for elections to ensure political and economic stability, while preventing any attempts to overthrow a sitting government which harmed the country's parliamentary democratic system.
She said the in-depth study and impact study would be conducted, including seeking views from the public on the proposal.
"In addition, an engagement session with all stakeholders would be held in the near future."
Azalina also hit back at quarters who claimed that the suggestion was a desperate move.
She said the proposal for the bill instead reflected the commitment of the unity government under the leadership of the prime minister in respecting the mandate, the democratic process, and ensuring political stability especially in the current geopolitical situation.
Zahid, who is also Umno president, had yesterday called for a bill to be drafted to ensure that a government must complete its five-year term.
This, he said, was to prevent political instability and any attempt to topple a ruling government before its term ended.
He drew on the example when the country had multiple changes in leadership during the 14th Parliamentary term, describing the period as "painful" for the country, hurting the people and the economy.
While government members of parliament agreed with the call, Pas secretary-general had described the suggestion as a desperate move to cling to power.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had described the proposal as "absurd", and said the changing of government outside of the elections was permitted under the Federal Constitution.