PETALING JAYA: Allegations that efforts to introduce a law to ensure a full five-year term for an elected government is a desperate move are wide off the mark, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

       The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said the proposal reflects the unity government's commitment to respect the electoral mandate.

       "It is to reflect the government's commitment under the leadership of the Prime Minister to respect the electoral mandate, democratic processes and to ensure political stability, particularly in the current uncertain geopolitical situation," she said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 14).

       Earlier, PAS rejected the proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to introduce a fixed-term law for an elected government to remain in power for five years.

       PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hasan described the effort as a "desperate move to remain in power".

       Azalina said that the Legal Affairs Division will conduct an in-depth study, including an impact study, as well as seek public opinion to enact such a law.

       "The Cabinet will use the comprehensive research findings as a policy consideration," she said, adding that engagement sessions with all relevant stakeholders will be conducted in the near future.

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