Najib calls for snap polls to resolve political impasse

Diyana Ibrahim Diyana Ibrahim Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Jun 2020 10:41AM · 4 Comments

Najib Razak says it is ‘extraordinary’ that even though Umno has the most MPs among the Perikatan Nasional cohort, it has to cede the prime minister’s office to Bersatu. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 18, 2020.

ONLY a general election can resolve Malaysia’s political impasse, said ex-prime minister Najib Razak.

The Pekan MP said the Perikatan Nasional government, which ousted Pakatan Harapan in February, has too slim a majority in parliament to govern effectively.

PN has only a 115-majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, an advantage of three seats, while the opposition led by PH, has the support of 107 MPs.

Najib said it is difficult for the administration to pass bills in parliament, including the all-important national budget which will be tabled in November, with such a slender lead.

“If we really want to resolve the instability of the current situation, as a democracy, there is no other way but to get another mandate from voters,” Najib told a talk show last night.

“The current Perikatan Nasional government’s majority is very slim and it will be very difficult when it comes to passing the budget,” said Najib on “Apa Khabar Cini”, which was broadcast live on Facebook.

Najib, who has more than 40 years of politics under his belt, said PN will have even more trouble passing bills than the former administration.

“Every time a bill is tabled, the minister has to vote twice. For the national budget, you have to vote at least 60 times. This will make it hard for ministers and parliamentarians to leave the Dewan Rakyat chambers. 

“So for ministers who have to attend many meetings this will be difficult because they have to stay in Parliament.”

PN is made up of Bersatu, Umno, PAS and a handful of independent MPs in Sabah and Sarawak. Sarawak-ruling pact GPS is a PN ally.

Najib said Umno and PAS, who are official partners in Muafakat Nasional, have not decided whether to work with PN in the next general election.

“The grassroots think that Muafakat is the best platform going into the general election. But there are those who want Muafakat to work with Perikatan.

“There is no final decision yet as the current agreement between parliamentarians is to support Perikatan.”

Najib said although Umno has the most MPs among the PN cohort , it does not get to occupy the prime minister’s office due to an extraordinary agreement with Bersatu led by Muhyiddin.

“These are extraordinary times. Even though Umno has the most seats, it does not occupy the prime minister’s office,” said Najib, referring to Umno’s 39 parliamentarians compared to Bersatu’s 32.

“This is due to a political understanding that although Umno has the most seats, Bersatu gets to be the prime minister.” – June 18, 2020.

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Comments

  • Najib don't need to just talk. He can force the issue by getting his supporter MPs and himself pull out from PN. Then TSMY will be forced to ask the Agong to dissolve Parliament. Or is Najib afraid that PH might have the numbers and the Agong might ask them to form the next govt instead of calling for fresh elections? That would imply that PN simply is not confident of its numbers.

    Posted 5 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply

  • A razor slim majority is no issue on passing bills as most bills require only a simple majority. But a slim majority is unstable only because there is a likelihood of defections by frogs, bring down the govt. That's why there should be a law to prevent defections of elected representatives after the election. That will bring stability to the government and cut of the corrupt and unethical practices that's so rampant now with frogs willing to sell their soul.

    Posted 5 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply

  • Just withdraw your party support to Moo and you will get your wish for snap election!
    Perhaps you are not confident as the moment you withdraw the support most of the frogs will jump back to PH or PH friendly as they are also scared they may lose in the election.

    Posted 5 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply

  • No need to talk la najib, just do it
    You also afraid right?

    Posted 5 years ago by S Shaf · Reply