HE was impressive. It was the carefully chosen words, delivery and right facial expression.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s interim prime minister, had many eating out of his hands by the time the short announcement was over.
His suggestion, where cabinet members are chosen on meritocracy and not along party lines, would obviously have the support of the people.
The idea sounds so plausible on paper because it appears to be people-centric and will keep away warring factions within the government.
But it simply won’t work. And I don’t want to mince my words when I say that it would consolidate powers in the hands of Dr Mahathir.
More importantly, the will of the people would not be done because Dr Mahathir need not be accountable to the Pakatan Harapan manifesto or any reform agenda, is free to appoint whomever he chooses into cabinet and that includes politicians from Umno and PAS, need not work on a consensus or consult with PH.
In short, it would be a one-man show. It would be a Mahathir government. And Dr Mahathir would only be answerable to himself.
This is a betrayal to the people who voted in PH, based on its election promises and reform agenda.
The flurry of events over the last few days has left many confused.
Instead of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Dr Mahathir made an announcement stating no PM nominee secured a distinct majority and that Parliament will choose the prime minister at a special sitting.
This has prompted constitutional experts to say only the Agong has the powers to choose the prime minister.
Istana Negara hasn’t divulged the numbers obtained by nominated candidates despite a long interview process by the Agong.
And we don’t know why the Agong isn’t appointing as prime minister a member who is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the lower house and if PKR president Anwar Ibrahim could possibly have the numbers.
In short, we are left grappling for answers.
But ironically, in this protracted mess, people have forgotten than Anwar is supposed to take over from Dr Mahathir.
In 2018, Malaysians cheered on Dr Mahathir and believed he would do the right thing for the country.
They trusted he was no more the dictator but a leader who was committed to reforms.
But in less than two years, we are questioning if he was playing to the gallery. If he were the man who orchestrated the collapse of the PH government with the help of a few individuals.
I will still say all is not lost. Dr Mahathir can still exit the scene with honour and dignity if he can withdraw from the race and pave the way for Anwar to be the eighth prime minister, as he has lost the mandate of the people. – February 28, 2020.
* Charles Santiago is Klang MP.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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Posted 4 years ago by Sunita petrus · Reply
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Posted 4 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply
racial issues if there are any.Some of the cabinet posts will be taken by very experienced businessmen and successful professionals who do not belong to any political party.
Posted 4 years ago by PRADEEP Balakrishnan · Reply