In response to the looming threat of a potential government takeover through defections, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted today that there is no immediate necessity to expedite the enactment of a law specifying fixed dates for general elections in Malaysia.
Despite the allegations of a new plot, Anwar, who also holds the position of finance minister, stated that the government will thoroughly investigate the proposal. Speaking at the launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programme For The People at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), he emphasized that discussions on this matter have not taken place extensively. 
“There has been a suggestion; we will look at it, but to me, it’s not a priority. We have not even obtained any comments from the attorney general. There is no consensus yet among the leaders of the Madani government. I look forward to any discussion, but it is too premature for us to decide otherwise,” Anwar explained to reporters.
Highlighting his primary focus on transforming Malaysia into a great nation, Anwar dismissed the urgency of the proposed law, asserting that it is being exaggerated by the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which lacks the parliamentary strength to execute such a maneuver.
Anwar pointed out that he currently commands a supermajority support in the Dewan Rakyat, questioning the need to scrutinize the proposal. He emphasized that his top priorities are the transformation of the country’s governance and digital infrastructure.
The idea of enacting a law for fixed-term parliaments was introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Zahidi last Saturday, with the aim of allowing an elected government to serve its full five-year term and preventing governmental usurpation. However, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan criticized the suggestion as unconstitutional.
The proposal arises amid persistent rumors of a potential backdoor deal between the Opposition and certain members of the ruling parties, known as the “Dubai Move,” within Anwar’s “unity government.” The series of governmental changes since the “Sheraton Move” in February 2020 has contributed to a decline in foreign investor confidence, hindering Malaysia’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
In response to the ongoing discussions, de facto law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said Azalina confirmed on Sunday that the government is considering a fixed-term parliament law. A comprehensive study, including an impact assessment and public opinion gathering, will precede the Cabinet’s evaluation of the law’s potential implementation.