PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has breached the doctrine of separation of powers in his bid to remove Dewan Rakyat’s speaker and a deputy, said former law minister Liew Vui Keong.

He said the unprecedented motion reeks of the executive’s interference in the affairs of the legislative branch of the country.

“The doctrine of separation of powers clearly entails that the executive (government), legislature (Parliament) and judiciary (courts) are three separate organs of a state that are independent of one another.

“One organ cannot simply meddle into the affairs of another. Malaysia practices this doctrine,” he said in a statement today.

Liew, who is Batu Sapi MP, said it is unconstitutional for any one organ to meddle in the affairs of the other.

This, he said, would be a blatant breach and disregard of the doctrine of separation of powers which is woven into the very spirit of the federal constitution.

Questioning the timing over the motion against speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and his deputy Nga Kor Ming, Liew said Muhyiddin may be trying to evade the motion of no-confidence against himself.

“To ensure he evades the motion of no-confidence in him as prime minister, he has sought in his capacity as prime minister to remove the speaker and deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat,” Liew said.

He added Muhyiddin’s motion is in bad faith with vested personal interest in its outcome.

“It unconstitutionally flies in the face of our federal constitution, breaching the doctrine of separation of powers, and is unacceptable.”

He said there are no grounds to remove Ariff and Nga as both have been extremely professional in executing their duties.

He also said the first MP to be ejected from Dewan Rakyat in the first session after the 14th general elections was from the then government bench.

“There is hence no room for any partiality. Tan Sri Dato’ Ariff was a fiercely independent Court of Appeal Judge. What is the prime minister afraid of?”

Liew urged Muhyiddin to provide an explanation on the motion.

The prime minister must also immediately explain his interference in Parliament’s affairs to Malaysians, he said.

“He is not beyond reproach. Nor is he above the constitution. He must be held accountable.”

Muhyiddin’s motion to replace Ariff and his deputy Nga will be tabled on the first day of the upcoming Parliament sitting on July 13.

Batu Pahat MP Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who is the other deputy, is not affected.

Muhyiddin also faces a motion of no-confidence that will be tabled by Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Perikatan Nasional’s partner PAS, meanwhile, has submitted a motion of confidence in Muhyiddin. – June 28, 2020.