Parliament best venue to settle issue, say experts

 

PETALING JAYA: Dewan Rakyat is the best venue to conclusively settle the issue surrounding the fate of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister, say constitutional experts.

Political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said the issue of whether Muhyiddin still commands the majority in Parliament by way of statutory declarations has somewhat blurred.

“Both blocs claim to have support by way of statutory declarations and some lawmakers may have even made declarations to both sides.

“Going to Dewan Rakyat is one of the best platforms in order to see who supports whom,” he said yesterday.

He said that it was interesting to note that Muhyiddin himself had proposed the test of majority to be brought to Parliament.

“It shows he is confident he will retain the position,” he added.

However, Prof Sivamurugan said the month-long gap till when Parliament convenes in September will see both sides engaged in a lot of political manoeuvrings to secure the majority support.

The first meeting of the fourth session of the 14th Parliament will sit for 15 days beginning Sept 6 until 30.

International Islamic University’s Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said the long gap till when Parliament meets would work in Muhyiddin’s favour.

“It will give him time to secure the needed majority support.

“However, it would also mean that the Opposition will also have room to strategise their moves.

“There will be a lot of political trading going on by both sides to see who gets the majority by then,” he said.

Prof Nik Ahmad also said it was the right decision by the King to accept the proposal that lawmakers decide on Muhyiddin’s fate.

“The best way to determine the issue of confidence is to put it to the floor in the House.

“This way the King would be seen to be above politics by allowing the constitutional process to run its course in Parliament,” he added.

Dr Md Shukri Shuib of Universiti Utara Malaysia said it was apt for Parliament to decide on Muhyiddin’s fate, although there is likely to be a lot of politicking before that happens.

He noted the decision to bring the matter to Parliament would also have implications for Umno.

“The present situation was sparked by the withdrawal of support by several Umno lawmakers which could lead to a further split in the party. The Umno president will now have to bear this responsibility,” he added. - Star