IPOH: The proposal to introduce a law aimed at retaining the government until the end of its term would not be needed if certain quarters did not threaten to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

       Such plots like the purported “Dubai Move” were detrimental to the country and scaring away investors, he said.

       “The proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi came following news of several alleged attempts to overthrow the Federal Government,” he told reporters here yesterday.

       On Saturday, Ahmad Zahid suggested that a law be introduced to ensure that any ruling government remains in power for its full five-year term.

       This would avoid disruption to the country’s economy, he said, adding that the country previously witnessed three different prime ministers in a single term.

       Saarani said such a law would create a stable government.

       “It would shut down all talk or opportunities of bringing down the Federal Government,” he said.

       StarPicks

       FOSTERING STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH HOLISTIC SUPPORT

       Malaysia would find it tough to instil confidence in investors “if each week, we have statements about ‘needing just three more statutory declarations’ (to topple the government).

       “However, I know other political parties will have their own view (about the proposal),” he added.

       State Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who was also at the press conference, said with 157 parliamentary seats, the unity government was quite stable.

       “I don’t understand why such talk (on the Dubai Move) came up, unless it was just a form of political sabotage.

       “This will also not send a good message to civil servants, as they will question who will be the government of the day, and it will not benefit the people,” he said.

       Saarani also announced the first ever Perak State Unity Government Convention yesterday, which will be held at Casuarina@Meru Convention Centre on Jan 28.

       The convention, with the theme “Madani: Raising the Perak People’s Agenda,” will be a stage for leaders at all levels from the state’s ruling component political parties to share their views and ideas on ways to boost the economy of Perak and to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation among the people.

       Anwar and Ahmad Zahid will be giving winding-up speeches during the closing ceremony.