Perak supports call for FTPA, says Saarani

IPOH: The proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for a Bill aimed at retaining the government until the end of its term is good, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said such a Bill would shut down all talk of or opportunities for bringing down the Federal Government.

"It's a good way to create a stable government, allowing it to run the country until the end of its term.

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"If every week we have statements that just a few more statutory declarations (will bring down the government) how do we instil confidence among investors?" he said at a press conference here on Monday (Jan 15).

"However, I know other political parties have their own thoughts (about the proposal)," he added.

Ahmad Zahid had recently suggested that a law should be introduced to ensure that a government remains in power for its full five-year term.

This, he said, would prevent incidents that see changes of prime minister and the administration within a parliamentary term and disrupt the economy.

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The proposal by Ahmad Zahid came following news of alleged attempts to overthrow the government.

"Dubai Move, Chow Kit Move or whatever move, it does not matter.

"(Such acts) will inhibit our development plans and scare away investors," he said, adding that the proposal may not be needed if all parties acted with discipline and did not threaten to topple the government.

He said the proposal for a Fixed-Term Parliament Act (FTPA) would receive support from the state if it is drawn up at federal level.

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"There are laws and procedures to follow, which may take time, like our state anti-hopping law," he said.

State Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the unity government, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was stable.

"The unity government has 157 parliamentary seats (out of 222).

"I don't understand why it (talk of the Dubai Move) was brought up, unless it is just a form of political sabotage," he said.

"I urge those who start such talk to stop.

"It gives the perception that politicians have nothing better to do and creates distrust among the people towards politicians.

"Such talk does not send a good message to civil servants, as they will question who will be the government of the day, and it will not benefit the people," he added.