PSM calls for Dewan Rakyat speaker to be replaced

 

Amid a brewing political crisis, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun must be replaced as an interim solution pending the election of a new government.

In proposing the move, PSM deputy president S Arutchelvan accused Azhar (above) of failing to carry out his duties in a fair and just manner, making an overall mockery of the institution.

Arutchelvan said the new speaker should then chair a vote to appoint a replacement for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, whose command of a majority in the House has repeatedly come into question but never proven.

"After appointing a new speaker, the MPs must be allowed to select a new prime minister from among them and determine a clear majority.

"For a long time, we have heard that so and so supposedly has a majority but it was never tested through a vote in Parliament," Arutchelvan said.

"We are of the view that submitting statutory declarations to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not a convincing process due to a lack of transparency and, in fact, exposed to elements of corruption, inducement of support, or threats."

PSM deputy president S Arutchelvan

Further, Arutchelvan said PSM has proposed for the new prime minister to be allowed to form a new cabinet comprising leaders from all political parties or other individuals deemed to be of calibre.

"This can be named the interim government or unity government.

"Whichever term used is not important, as what matters is that the government must be stable and capable of effectively managing the health and economic crisis in a short time," he added.

Arutchelvan said political uncertainties that stemmed from anticipation for a general election should also be put to an end through a selection of a date in 2023 - the end of the five-year term - or any dates prior to that.

"This will reduce attempts that would cause political instability and cut down on politicking," he added.

Noting the current uncertain times, Arutchelvan said other public institutions, including the police and MACC, should carry out their duties in a professional manner, rather than being used to silence critics of the government and various people's movements.

The last day of the special Dewan Rakyat sitting called last week was initially postponed to this morning (Monday) after positive Covid-19 cases were found in Parliament, sparking a mass screening of 1,183 individuals.

The sitting has since been postponed to a later date due to a "Covid-19" risk.  - Mkini