Wan Junaidi discusses challenges of introducing Fixed-term Parliament Act

KUCHING: Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar expressed the necessity of a Fixed-term Parliament Act (FTPA) for ensuring political stability in the country, but he highlighted the challenges involved in its implementation.

He said to introduce such a system, it requires constitutional amendment to allow the passing of any law seeking or creating a fixed term for Parliament.

“Some say there is no need for the Federal Constitution to be amended, but (this is not true); because as long as there are contradictions or inconsistent (with federal law), it can be brought to court or become void.”

He added that there is a need to carefully consider the constitutionality of the proposal as well as taking into consideration every suggestion and views of the MPs.

Wan Junaidi said this at the ‘Bicara Tokoh’ event on Friday (Jan 19), organised by the National Professor Council (NPC), on the Anti-Party Hopping Law and Stability of the Government, with moderator Dr Muhammad Asri Mohd Ali.

He opined that the proposed FTPA is necessary to put a stop to any attempts to topple the government, especially with what had happened in the country between 2018 and 2022.

Wan Junaidi said currently, there are two ways that can cause Parliament to be dissolved early.
The first, he said, is through a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat, where 112 votes will be needed, which is half of the 222 MPs.

The other is by tabling a motion to dissolve the Parliament, where a two-thirds majority is required.
“If based on the number (of support) needed, a vote of no confidence is easier (to change the government),” he said.

“By having a fixed term parliament, it can more or less stabilise the country.”

He noted that several democratic countries such as the United Kingdom and United States of America have practiced such a system to ensure a stable government.

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called for a fixed-term Parliament so that the formation of a government lasts until the end of the term or before the next general election is held.

His suggestions came in the wake of the alleged “Dubai Move” where certain Opposition leaders allegedly attempted to buy over government MPs to deny the current administration a parliamentary majority.

Also present at the event was NPC president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Raduan Che Ros.