PN ready to support term limit for PM, on one condition

PARLIAMENT | The opposition today said it is ready to support Putrajaya’s proposal to impose a two-term limit on the prime minister’s post, but on one condition.

According to opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), they want the limit to be accompanied by a clause that also prevents a prime minister from also holding the finance portfolio at the same time.

“The proposal to split the role of a prime minister from the finance minister is far more important than looking into limiting the term of a prime minister.

“PN has no problem supporting the two-term limit for the prime minister post, but it has to come with several conditions.

“For example, a prime minister cannot also hold the post of finance minister. This is because we believe that the principle of accountability must be upheld by dividing the role of the (finance) ministry with the prime minister position,” he said when debating a motion of thanks on Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s royal decree.

However, Hamzah added, it is okay for a prime minister to hold a dual portfolio as long as it is not finance.

This is because the finance minister wields a vast amount of power, he said.

‘Why does Umno allow URA retabling?’

Meanwhile, Hamzah also raised issues with the government’s purported plan to retable its Urban Renewal Bill during this Dewan Rakyat session.

“If it is true that the bill is going to be tabled during this session, why do the cabinet members from Umno allow this to happen?

“This is despite serious concerns about its long-term effects on the rakyat. This is why multiple objections were raised by political parties and NGOs, be it from the inside or outside of this Parliament.

“To the government, I want to remind you once again that before you make any policy, please look into the interests of all parties.

“Do not impose tyranny of the majority just because you have the power,” he said.

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