P Ramakrishnan points to a quick – and constitutional way – out of the present political impasse.
For whatever reason, Anwar Ibrahim’s claimed majority support has not materialised in his appointment as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia. By all counts, it appears, this matter is going to drag on for some time.
Malaysians are wondering how long it will be before they know the outcome of Anwar’s move. In the meantime, there is a lot of anxiety, a lot of idle talk, a lot of speculation, which is not good for the country.
A question arises if there could be an alternative and effective way to resolve this issue. There appears to be a simpler and expeditious way to put this issue at rest, once and for all.
According to Article 55 of the Federal Constitution, His Majesty the King can summon Parliament to be in session. This is what is needed at the moment to tackle this issue as a matter of urgency.
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Second, His Majesty can order the motion of no confidence moved by Dr Mahathir Mohamad in May to be tabled and debated and voted on. This motion has been gathering dust at the bottom of the order paper and is most unlikely to see the light of day.
This way, the question of the majority confidently claimed by Anwar can be put to rest. If indeed he has the so-called majority, by all reckoning, this motion will be carried. The outcome of this will result in Muhyiddin Yassin resigning as prime minister and Anwar being appointed as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.
This is a simple but an effective way to settle the issue foremost in the minds of all Malaysians.
Constitutionally, this would be a legitimate way out and democratically, Parliament would have played its role as intended.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
The method may appeal to a scrupulously constitutional ruler. However, it seems to me that since the 2008 election and beginning with the state of Perak, Malaysia’s constitutional rulers have been more impressive in creatively finding ways to expand their own powers and prerogatives.