KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's suggestion to introduce a fixed-term bill for the government is a desperate move to remain in power, said Pas.
The party's secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, describing the proposal as "absurd", said the changing of government outside of the elections was permitted under the Federal Constitution and was in line with democratic principles practised not only in Malaysia, but also in other countries.
This, he said, was on the condition that either party - whether the government or the group challenging the government - could prove that they had the majority in parliament or through other channels allowed by the law.
"Pas wonders what factors prompted a senior and veteran leader like Zahid to make such a novice suggestion, especially after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim repeatedly claimed that his government had the support of more than two-thirds support in parliament.
"Is Zahid not confident of that claim, or is he so desperate to remain in power that he is willing to push aside the constitution and democracy, as he did to defend his position as Umno president against the majority decision of party members and grassroots?" Takiyuddin questioned.
His statement today was following remarks made by Zahid yesterday, suggesting for a bill to be drafted to ensure that a government must complete its five-year term.
At the Rural and Regional Development retreat yesterday, Zahid said this was to prevent political instability and any attempt to topple a ruling government before its term ended.
He had claimed that the frequent changing of government in the 14th parliamentary term affected the people and the state of the economy.
Meanwhile, Takiyuddin added that a prime minister appointed after elections or at any other time, but who had subsequently lost the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat would lose the validity of his position.
He said the prime minister, along with all his cabinet members must then resign, unless the parliament is dissolved at the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"In that situation, the King shall replace the prime minister with someone proven to have the majority support of the members of parliament.
"Pas believes that the provisions of the Federal Constitution on this matter and its related practices worldwide are in line with the core idea of democracy, which is that a government is considered legitimate only as long as it enjoys majority support.
"Therefore, any attempt to obstruct or deviate from this core principle, whether through new laws proposed or other undemocratic actions, is categorically rejected and nullified," he added.
