KUALA LUMPUR: The best way to save cost, harmonise state and parliamentary polls, as well as increase voter turnout in an election is to have a Fixed Term Act, say experts.
They said having a fixed date for both parliamentary and state elections would be helpful to voters and government agencies involved such as the Election Commission, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.
National Professors Council senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir said a fixed date would allow out-of-state voters to plan ahead their journey home.
This way, Jeniri said, voters would more likely turn up at polling stations, thus increasing voter turnout which had been slipping in numbers in state elections for the past few years.
“The same goes for government agencies,” he said, adding that preparing for an election requires sufficient time since a last-minute arrangement would likely lead to inflated costs, especially on logistics.
“A fixed date is the best solution. We won’t be wondering when the election will be held. After years of endless politicking, I believe everyone will be thankful if this Act is introduced.
“A fixed date will also bring confidence and stability to the country because the voters get to plan ahead and investors won’t feel anxiety about instability.
“The EC too will benefit greatly because they will have enough time to plan and prepare,” he said when contacted.
Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian believed that having a fixed date would prevent another Sheraton Move from happening, referring to the 2020 coup that saw many MPs leaving the then Federal Government to form a new one without going through a general election.
He said a Fixed Term Act could complement the anti-hopping law gazetted last year, thus ensuring a change of government would not happen at the “pleasure” of only certain players.
“But to have a Fixed Term Act, we must first amend the constitution. I don’t see any problem with this since the current unity government has a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
“It is better to have an exact date (for polls) so that there won’t be any attempt to overthrow the government again. Besides, having a fixed date means our leaders won’t be busy with politicking. They will be able to focus on nation-building,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Mara Institution of Malay Rulers Chair fellow Mujibu Abdul Muis echoed a similar view, saying Putrajaya has sufficient time to draft and legislate a Fixed Term Act.
“We definitely have the time to do this (legislate the Act). The government has a two-thirds majority (in Parliament) and it still has a few years before its term ends (in 2027).
“Having a fixed term will allow parliamentary and state elections to be held at a specific time where everyone is already informed of the dates. That way, voters, the EC and political workers will be ready,” he said.
