MALAYSIA’S democracy must be better and stronger than before, but unfortunately recent events have uncovered the fragility and weakness of the country’s administration and democratic practices, said Mohamad Hasan.

The Umno deputy president said Malaysia could have been exemplary to other developing nations in terms of how the country’s democracy could develop into a system filled with local wisdom and many achievements.

“However, the opposite is happening. The quality of our leadership is regressing with MPs acting recklessly based on selfish needs and not on principles or values.

“Freedom of speech is diminishing, with various ordinances and impositions that instil fear rather than responsibility into the people.

“This is coupled with the context of a hung Parliament and our crippling constitution. All of these are deteriorations of our democratic values, which is extremely worrying,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Last week, Putrajaya put in force the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021, aimed at combating fake news relating to Covid-19 and the emergency proclamation, which essentially gave it sweeping powers.

Those found guilty face a fine of not more than RM100,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years, while for continuing offences, there will be a further fine not exceeding RM1,000 for each day that the offence continues after conviction.

Perikatan Nasional also continues to grapple with a lack of numbers in the 222-seat Parliament and three defections over the last few weeks among PKR lawmakers were seen as moves to shore up its numbers.

Kuala Langat PKR MP Xavier Jayakumar is the latest to become a PN-friendly independent lawmaker after two other PKR elected reps, Julau MP Larry Sng and Tebrau MP Steven Choong, quit the party last month and declared their support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Malaysia must come out of this democratic deficit. We have to be better and strive to excel in governing this nation while presenting progressive democratic values.

“To allow Malaysia’s potential to continue in its current position is devastating.

“We have to be better and strive to excel in governing this nation while presenting progressive democratic values,” he said.

The Rantau rep said all Malaysians, including ministers, civil servants, civil societies and ordinary citizens, have a collective responsibility to improve the country’s democracy. – March 15, 2021.