KOTA KINABALU: The Fixed Term Parliament Act (FPTA) concept should be considered to be extended to the states, said the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation honorary president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
"If we can have a well-drafted FTPA that suits Malaysia's needs, why should it be limited to the Federal Parliament, and not extended to all 13 state legislatures (DUNs)?
"If we have an FTP law for Sabah, unless the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government loses majority or two-third of state assembly persons support an early dissolution, the 16th DUN of Sabah would serve till the midnight of Oct 25, 2025.
"What is wrong with such certainty? What benefits do we Sabahans enjoy with on-and-off rumours of early election?" he said in a statement.
Madius, who is also Tuaran member of parliament, called upon the Cabinet to instruct the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) to prepare a green paper on the debated FPTA.
He said unlike a white paper which indicates the government's commitment and detailed plan for a certain policy or reform, a green paper facilitates public discussion by providing correct information on various proposals to solicit public feedback without committing the government to any proposal.
Madius said the Green paper has two important advantages as it is an open-ended invitation for all segments of society and can avoid a long delay which allows building up of misinformation.
"With a green paper, every state can have informed discussion on the matter both for the Parliament and their own DUN.
"Putrajaya should realise the top-down decision-making – basic decision made first, state-level engagements later – can be off-putting, especially for Sabah and Sarawak people.
"We are tired of just being asked to take sides. We want an active role in the discussion," he said.