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First, he ‘stole’ the government, now he disrespects the Constitution

Muhyiddin should show respect to the democratic tradition and subject himself to a vote of confidence in Parliament

Mahiaddin Yasin

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One must be absolutely ethical to live up to democratic ideals and values. Without it, anything goes. We have seen that since February 2020.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s majority support was apparently dubious when he was appointed the eighth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He did nothing to dispel this negative perception, neither did he prove in any positive manner that he enjoyed majority support.

He has consistently and persistently refused to subject himself to a vote of confidence in Parliament to claim the moral high ground to become the legitimate PM of this nation and hold up his head in dignity.

Now, Muhyiddin’s position has become untenable with Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub from Kelantan openly withdrawing his support for the Perikatan Nasional government. Muhyiddin can no longer pretend to have majority support in Parliament to exercise his right to exist as the lawful PM of this country. He is seen as clinging to power without legitimacy.

In keeping with Article 45 (4) of the Federal Constitution which states: “If the prime minister no longer has the trust of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat, then the prime minister must resign from the cabinet unless at his request Parliament is dissolved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

Muhyiddin has a moral duty to vacate his post immediately. Alternatively, he can show respect to the democratic tradition and subject himself to a vote of confidence in order to remain as PM. For this, he has to urgently arrange to convene a special sitting of Parliament and subject himself to this test. But will he do this honourable thing?

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Are we expecting too much from him? He ‘stole’ the people’s government with no qualms. Will he now respect the constitutional provision which nullifies his right to be the PM and leave honourably? In this challenging moment, his conduct will reveal the measure of the man.

We hope he will be guided by this saying from Robert Tew: “You are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel.”

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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Dr. SNaidu
Dr. SNaidu
12 Jan 2021 7.07pm

What needs to be done going forward? For OUr YOUTh, posterity? We have no OMbudsman type institute to seriously cap up corruption n ensure public-good governance.The monarchy, people need to help to institute inclusive governance proactively.’Educate’ through existing institutions BUT with representative, ‘qualified’ MSNS as heads the sections of society which have been ‘misled’.They are still subjects n victims of poor quality edn, crime, corruption, inequality, floods, disease, low incomes large fmlys. Contrasted with the rich,elite Bumis, who still want to act beyond the rule of law n want more n more. WE can be BETTER. WE NEEd a benign caring l’drs of ALL ethnics-W n E MSNS to do the RIGHt t’dy. GOD, Youth r watching n learnin

Khoo Soo Hay
Khoo Soo Hay
12 Jan 2021 11.28am

Now that emergency has been declared the PM is even safer. Parliament cannot meet. No decision can be made. Covid-19 has saved the day for the PM.

loyal malaysian
loyal malaysian
11 Jan 2021 5.44pm

“Are we expecting too much from him?”
Yes, Rama, we are – he is a leader who will use whatever means possible to stay in power.
If he has any intention to respect the Constitution, he should have resigned immediately after losing his paper thin majority in Parliament.

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