Is Malaysia Still a Democracy?
Close to the celebration of Hari Kebangsaan, the following question may appear to be shocking but recent events seem to indicate that Malaysia seems to have drifted away from the democratic model to one where people of different political lineage appear to lay claim to the political leadership.
The very public row between the former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir(TDM) and his successor Abdullah Badawi leaves much to be desired as especially the former now claims that the latter was not his first choice.
It seems that the great debate between TDM and his successor falls outside the ambit of the Malaysian Constitution (MC).
43 (3) The Cabinet shall be collectively responsible to Parliament.
43 (4) If the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, then, unless at his request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet.
I do not see any provision in the MC that requires the Prime Minister to follow any prearranged plans with his predecessor.
It is a dangerous precedent if Parliament allows the highest office of the land to be controlled by anyone who does not hold the office anymore. If this happens, Malaysia will basically become a feudal state and the rights of the citizens to determine their future becomes meaningless.
Loyal citizens respect and support the holder of the office of Prime Minister but that office is held in trust and we pray that the person holding that office is able to implement policies and practices for the greater good.
If that person betrays that trust citizens have the right and duty to change the leader for that is what democracy is all about.
Meanwhile we should not accept unfair criticism that demeans the office of the PM and we should make us of existing laws against slander. It should simply not be allowed to continue.
Meanwhile a vote of confidence in the House would show that the people as represented by their MPs want the PM to work vigorously on his election pledges.
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2 comments:
The spat is going to do one good thing; "wash 22 years of dirty linen in public!!"
Democracy allows us not just to change the leader but also the PARTY. In fact more so in our UK based parliamentary system since the leader runs on a party platform and not individual like the US. Is it unthinkable that we could have a non BN government???!!!
Malaysia is still a democracy.
The rakyat just haven't discovered that yet, since after 49 years, the "other side" really hasn't been heard much or given a chance.
As Meng mentioned, "Is it unthinkable that we could have a non BN government???!!! "
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