KUCHING: Any move to determine the ruling government must not be based on coercion, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In this regard, he said, the proposed bill to allow an elected government to serve for a full term to prevent any plot to overthrow it "may not be compatible" as Malaysia upholds the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of choice.
He however agreed that any such proposal must be referred to the legal experts.
"I don't know the background of whether such a law can be implemented – I would leave that to the legal experts because in our Federal Constitution, it states the freedom of choice.
"Meaning, we cannot use coercion, but we can use certain rules to monitor the political situation because democracy is based on the people's freedom of choice," the Borneo Post reported today.
Abang Johari, who is the chairman of the state's ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), was responding to a reporter's question about the fixed-term bill proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after chairing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) supreme council meeting earlier.
He called upon all members of parliament to continue working hard to help sustain and boost economic growth.
He also commented on the 'Dubai Move' – an alleged plot to topple the unity government which he described as 'a waste of time'.
He reiterated GPS' stand to continue its solid support for the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"For GPS, we want stability at the national level. There were 'Dubai Move', 'London Move', what other 'Move Move' – all of this must stop; we must focus on restoring our economy."
During a town hall session on Saturday night, Abang Johari dismissed speculations about him being the nation's next prime minister, and for Sarawak to be given greater autonomy and other offers, including up to 20 per cent in oil revenue royalties.
Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, had on Saturday proposed the introduction of a law aimed at maintaining a particular government until the end of its term.
He said this would prevent the recurrence of instances where the prime minister was changed three times during the 14th Parliament term.
