The government has no plans to repeal Article 48(6) of the federal constitution, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong.

He said the provision was still relevant especially to avoid waste of money, time and energy as it would involve a by-election.

“The provision was created to prevent members of parliament (MP) and state assemblypersons to contest again for a period of five years. It would be detrimental to our democratic system if the provision is repealed just to satisfy someone’s political agenda as it would not bring any benefit to the people and country,” he said during the question-and-answer session in parliament today.

He was replying to Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) who had asked whether the government was willing to repeal the provision in the spirit of democracy.

Clause (6) Article 48 of the federal constitution and sub-section 6 (5) Schedule Eight of the federal constitution respectively stipulate that an MP or state assemblyperson who resigned shall be disqualified from contesting as a member of the House of Representatives for a period of five years effective from the date of resignation.

Liew stressed this also meant that the wife/husband of the MP or state assemblyperson or a family member is prevented from contesting for the same seat.

Replying to an additional question from Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) whether a forced election as desired by the opposition parties, was a concept in democracy, Liew said the provisions in 48(6) was meant for members to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the people and not to prioritise their political agenda.

- Bernama