SEBERANG JAYA: DAP supports the introduction of the fixed-term Parliament bill as suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said, in principle, the bill was good as it reduced any problems or political issues during a particular parliamentary term.
He, however, said in terms of implementation, it needed to be looked into thoroughly.
"This parliamentary system was implemented in the United Kingdom previously for a fixed five-year term.
"This means parliament cannot be arbitrarily dissolved by the prime minister before the term ends. Any decision to dissolve parliament before the end of the term must be brought to parliament to be decided by the members of parliament.
"Nevertheless, the matter is still being studied by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said," he said when asked on the party's stand with regard to the fixed-term Parliament bill.
Loke, who is Transport Minister, expressed confidence that Azalina would raise the matter in cabinet before any decision was made.
It was reported that the government would look into the suggestion to introduce a fixed-term Parliament bill, with research to be conducted this year.
Azalina said the Legal Affairs Division would undertake research as groundwork for the bill, with its findings being presented to the cabinet to deliberate on the policy direction.
In agreeing with the suggestion by Zahid, Azalina said that the call for a fixed-term Parliament bill was an excellent suggestion as it would provide both political and economic stability.
