No in-depth talks held on proposed fixed-term Parliament law, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been no in-depth discussion over a proposed law to ensure that the current government will administer the country until the end of its term, said Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said the proposal to create such a law was raised at Cabinet level, adding that there were opinions submitted openly or in more specific discussions on the need and suitability of similar laws in several other countries.

"In some other countries, the anti-party hopping laws are usually incorporated (into the fixed term parliament law), or there are also laws that prescribe a term for a parliament.

"For example, in the United Kingdom, there is the Fixed Term Parliament Act and in the United States, the term for a serving president is four years unless they resign or step down earlier," he told reporters after opening the new wing of Orchid Wing di OasisEye Specialists, here on Sunday (Jan 14).

Fahmi, who is also government spokesman, said the proposed law is part of efforts to ensure the stability of the country and at the same time, prevent events like the mid-term, three-time change of prime minister in the 14th Parliament term from recurring.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the appointment of Wanita PKR vice-chief Sangetha Jayakumar to the Port Klang Authority's (PKA) board of directors is not a problem as PKR has only been critical against political appointments to government-linked companies (GLC).

Fahmi, who is also PKR information chief, said that there is a difference between GLCs and statutory bodies, where laws govern the latter.

"So, her (Sangetha's) appointment is not a problem because PKA is not a GLC," he said.

Last Thursday, Sangetha confirmed her appointment as a PKA board member on Facebook.

Her appointment was criticised by social media users who highlighted a tweet she posted in October 2020 about the then-Perikatan Nasional government giving out GLC positions to bolster support.

At the opening ceremony, Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said he would help cover the costs of eye treatment or surgery for eligible B40 individuals in the area.

"...if there are any families in need of eye treatment or surgery related to eye health inform me. I will help pay for it," he said. – Bernama