Silver lining to appointment of five extra assemblymen in Pahang, but open to abuse, says Fuziah

 

KUANTAN: Pahang Pakatan Harapan chairman Fuziah Salleh feels the amendment to appoint up to five additional state assemblyman may be open to abuse but she also sees a silver lining to it.

Fuziah said should the appointments be used to balance minority voices such as women, Orang Asli and the disabled, then it could be seen as a progressive and democratic measure.

"My suggestion is to appoint three assemblymen from among women to give balance to the voices of women in the state assembly, especially on issues concerning women, family and community.

"This will strengthen efforts to bring gender issues to the mainstream in Pahang," she said.

Fuziah added that one Orang Asli appointee and another from among the disabled should fill up the rest of the appointed seats.

However, she said the potential for abuse could come by way of appointing the assemblymen from existing Opposition constituencies.

"If the assemblyman is given the same allocation as a government assemblyman and is allowed to serve in a Pakatan constituency, then it can be seen as an attempt to take down Pakatan via the backdoor.

"Furthermore, it is seen as an effort to waste the people's money at a time when they need help during this Covid-19 pandemic," she said Saturday (Nov 21).

On Friday (Nov 21), the Pahang legislative assembly passed an amendment to appoint a maximum of five assemblymen without going through the election process.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail's motion to amend the Laws of the Constitution of Pahang was approved without the support of Pakatan assemblymen.

Fuziah said the appointed assemblymen should be able to bring up the voices of minority groups without borders and political inclination.

"The sincerity of the Pahang government will be measured by the people through the action that will be carried out in appointing the five assemblymen," she said. - Star