FORMER Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah has called for the halt of piecemeal reforms such as the fixed-term parliament act (FTPA) that are meant to purportedly stabilise the executive branch of the government with the intention of avoiding repeats of the Sheraton or Dubai moves.
She said while she agrees that the nation needs the stability to move forward, there are still questions that need to be considered before such an act can be implemented.
“Could this act be in danger of keeping a government in power even if it cannot deliver on its policies? Will it create a deadlock in parliament that could be dangerous to our nation especially at a time that requires critical action?” Maria questioned.
“Suggestions that are of national interests need to be discussed and there must be processes for debates to take place before jumping in blindly to support piecemeal reforms.”
Maria went on to question the outcome of the proposal for a fixed term of office for the prime minister and to the proposed Political Finance Act or the Parliament Services Act.
She said the Anti-Party Hopping Law was proposed within a very short time with the intention to end party-hopping but its implementation failed badly, with glaring loopholes in the Act.
“We should remember that once passed, laws are not easily repealed or amenable if something does not work out,” she added.
“This proposed law may be perceived as dangerous and undemocratic. Are our hands being tied once more as we are forced to stomach corrupt and/or incompetent governments as we have done for the past 60 years? These questions need due consideration.”
Maria acknowledged that while some supporters of the FTPA had argued that several parliamentary democracies in the West had popularly adopted a fixed term government act, they had stopped short of pointing out the severe problems that this had caused when the acts were badly drafted.
“One example is the UK where a similar fixed term government act has caused political crisis and led to a standstill at a time when the country needed decisive action. So we see once more how arguments are presented half-heartedly with complete disregard of the lessons learnt,” she added.
The former Bersih chairperson also noted that the fixed-term government needs to be premised on a more conducive political environment, and presently the nation’s key institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Election Commission (SPR) and even the media are in need of reforms to counter corruption, power abuse and the violation of freedom.
“We need these institutions as our check and balance if we are to even consider any fixed term government. Unless these are improved, fixed term governments are not a solution,” she stressed.
“I would certainly want to see greater public discussions on fixed term government as well as a clear reform plan before the Parliament again dabbles with our sacred constitution or laws.
“Bring the discussion not just to the Select Committees or to the Executive but to the public. Amendments that touch the Constitution deserve public participation and must not be left to the whims and fancies of an elite few.
“We need to move towards a more participatory and discussive approach, without fear or favour, if we are serious about democracy.” – Jan 15, 2024
