THE Terengganu state government is contemplating the appointment of opposition assemblymen who are committed to constructive governance rather than outright overthrow, according to a state executive councillor (exco).
Terengganu tourism, culture, and environment committee head who is also Kijal assemblyman Razali Idris has revealed that the government is actively considering the appointment of four assemblymen from the opposition ranks.
This move comes in the wake of the recent state election on Aug 12, in which Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured victory by winning all 32 seats.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had earlier affirmed that the state constitution empowers the government to appoint assemblymen in cases where certain groups, communities or entities remain unrepresented.
Moreover, Razali emphasised that the proposed opposition representation aims to serve as a corrective force within the government rather than seeking to undermine the existing administration, unlike UMNO’s approach.
“The opposition we intend to establish is one that provides opposition in order to correct the government, not an opposition like UMNO which aims to overthrow the Terengganu government,” Free Malaysia Today quoted Razali as saying.
The Bersatu information chief also said that the appointments had been discussed and were under consideration and a decision would be made soon.
Razali also stated that preference would be given to individuals with no strong political affiliations. He dismissed the idea of including defeated candidates, noting that they should take time to reflect on the reasons behind their rejection by the electorate.
“The defeated candidates don’t need to be considered. They need to reflect on why the people rejected them. Never before in Terengganu’s history have the people rejected (opposition candidates) by 40-0 (32 state assembly seats and eight parliamentary seats).”
The suggestion to appoint representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and minority groups for the purpose of checks and balances, raised by former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has spurred discussions on the need for responsible governance in the aftermath of PAS’ comprehensive triumph in the state.
Moreover, Khairy posited that such appointments would underscore the government’s commitment to accountability.
The forthcoming decision on the appointments is poised to be a significant step in shaping the dynamics of political representation and oversight in Terengganu. – Aug 25, 2023
Main photo credit: NST
