TO permanently resolve the political stalemate plaguing the country, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) recommended two solutions to address the situation.
“Let’s replace the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and appoint a prime minister who has a clear majority support from the august house,” its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said, in a statement.
Current Speaker, Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun has been criticised by many quarters for blocking motions delivered by the Opposition on technical grounds, including a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin.
Last week, Azhar defended the Government’s move to revoke the Emergency and its ordinances (EO) at the Cabinet level, much to ire of Opposition MPs who questioned whether the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to it.
The matter backfired on the Government and Azhar after Istana Negara issued a statement saying the Agong did not assent to it and was displeased that the EO was not debated at the Parliament.
The monarch specifically chided Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun for misleading the Dewan Rakyat.
Elaborating on the points, Arutchelvan said the Parliament must be reconvened soon to elect a new Speaker, adding the incumbent has failed to perform his duties with impartiality.
“Azhar’s decision in disallowing debates among MPs have turned our august house into a circus. The institution has become a laughing stock among the public,” he noted.
On selecting a new premier, the PSM leader stated the Dewan Rakyat was the best place for MPs to decide on the next leader as everyone would be able to see who holds the sway among elected representatives.
“All these MPs signing statutory declarations (SD) and sending it to the Agong is not a transparent process, given it could be subject to corruption and threats.”
Interim Gov’t to lead pandemic response
Once the prime minister is appointed, Arutchelvan urged the new leader to appoint high-calibre political leaders from all parties, under an interim or unity government concept.
The temporary Government, he mentioned, should also announce a specific date for the next general election like other countries, in order to reduce politicking.
“The semantics don’t matter. The important thing is that the new Government must be a stable one, primarily focused on containing COVID-19 and rejuvenate the economy soon.
“At the same time, we also urge public institutions like the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and others to do their jobs professionally.
“These institutions should not be used as a tool to suppress political opponents and legitimate grouses voiced by the public,” Arutchelvan concluded. – Aug 1, 2021.
