KUALA LUMPUR: The introduction of the Fixed-Term Parliament Act is still in the study phase by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department.
Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko - Tuaran), said that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said informed that the study being conducted includes an impact assessment that also takes into account the views and outcomes of engagement sessions with stakeholders and the public.
"The comprehensive findings of this study will be used for policy consideration by the Cabinet later," he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Madius, during oral question and answer session at Dewan Rakyat here, asked the prime minister to state whether the Government intends to issue a green paper to facilitate fact-based discussions, without binding the government's commitment regarding the introduction of a Fixed-Term Parliament and/or other institutional reforms to foster political stability in the country.
The Honorary President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organization (Upko) stated that Azalina, in a written reply, informed that Malaysia has a stipulated term for Parliament, which is five years as provided for under Article 55(3) of the Federal Constitution.
"However, the Prime Minister has the discretion to request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) to dissolve Parliament before the expiration of the five-year term, at any time for any reason, if agreed upon by the YDPA.
"Many countries practice a fixed-term parliament with an agreed timeline for elections to ensure political and economic stability and to prevent any attempts at harmful power grabs that undermine the parliamentary democratic system of the country.
"According to Azalina, a fixed-term parliament can also ensure that all reform agendas and policies can be implemented continuously without interruption," said Madius.
