Slew of reforms on the table

PUTRAJAYA: A Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the tenure of a prime minister to two terms and another to prevent party-hopping are among Perikatan Nasional’s proposals as it seeks bipartisan support.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision to reach out to leaders of political parties outside Perikatan to support the vote of confidence in him as Prime Minister, scheduled for Sept 7 in the Dewan Rakyat, was being made in the interest of the people and the country.

“This is not for my personal interest nor is it for my (Perikatan) friends.

“This move to negotiate with the leadership of other political parties to support the vote of confidence for the Prime Minister will allow the government of the day to continue to function and manage the pandemic until the time is suitable to hold a general election and return the mandate to the people,” Muhyiddin said in a special address yesterday that was televised live on major news channels.

He added that if the government succeeds in getting two-thirds support in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, a Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the tenure of a prime minister to two terms will be tabled.

The much talked-about anti-party hopping law will also be put before Parliament.

The Prime Minister said the government has also agreed to kickstart the Undi18 move to lower the voting age to 18 without waiting for the implementation of automatic registration, and for this, a Bill to amend the Federal Constitution will also be tabled.

Bills, including Supply Bills, will be discussed beforehand with all lawmakers, and a Bill will only be tabled if it receives majority support from MPs, Muhyiddin pledged.

“The government will also strengthen reforms to ensure a balanced number of government and Opposition lawmakers are made members of Parliamentary Select Committees. The number of these committees can also be increased to ensure that all lawmakers can play their check-and-balance role more effectively,” he added.

He said half of these select committees will be chaired by government lawmakers while the other half will be chaired by opposition MPs.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader will be given authority that is on par with that of a senior minister, he added.

Also, all MPs will receive the same amount of allocation regardless of their political party, he said.

The government will seek Parliament’s approval for an additional RM45bil to the existing RM65bil Covid-19 Fund, bringing the total to RM110bil, to strengthen the healthcare system and boost aid programmes.

The Prime Minister said additional funds will be provided to expedite and increase screenings and contact tracing, adding that there will also be more healthcare workers and enhanced ICU ward capacities.

Cash aid of RM10bil will be channelled to 11 million recipients during the second half of 2021, said Muhyiddin.

“Cash aid will continue to be given out in 2022, not just for the B40 group, but also for hardcore and urban poor, and those in the M40 category who have lost their source of income,” he added.