'Irresponsible' to blame opposition for govt failure to pass PM term limit bill: Takiyuddin

 

PAS has hit back at Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who blamed opposition MPs for the failure to pass a constitutional amendment bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure.

In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the claim that the bill failed due to a “misunderstanding” among opposition lawmakers was misplaced.

Instead, he said the government should take responsibility for failing to ensure the presence and support of its own MPs during the vote, which required a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

“This claim clearly deviates from the real issue and is merely an attempt to divert attention from the government’s failure to ensure the attendance and support of its own MPs during the voting session.

“The weak attempt to drag the opposition into this and shift the blame onto them is not only irresponsible but also highlights the government’s childish and lazy attitude,” said the Kota Bharu MP.

On Tuesday, the Dewan Rakyat failed to pass the bill after it did not secure the required two-thirds majority.

The bill received 146 votes in favour, just two shy of a two-thirds majority, with 44 members abstaining and the remaining 32 absent.

Fahmi subsequently said the cabinet was informed of a purported “misunderstanding” among several opposition MPs who believed that the vote was meant to allow Anwar Ibrahim to serve as prime minister for 10 years.

“We are unsure how such confusion could have arisen, as all members of Parliament should understand that the purpose of this amendment is to ensure that no prime minister can act without limits simply because they are able to remain in power indefinitely,” he said on Wednesday.

Agong’s discretion

Takiyuddin further said opposition MPs had repeatedly explained during the parliamentary debate that any proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure must be examined within the broader constitutional framework.

This includes the role and discretionary powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 43(2)(a) to appoint a prime minister who, in the monarch’s judgment, commands the confidence of the majority of MPs.

He added that the opposition had also suggested that any constitutional amendment on the matter be referred to and receive the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers, given its implications for the monarchy’s role and position.

“Any amendment to the Federal Constitution must be carried out carefully and prudently, and must receive broad consensus support,” he said.

Takiyuddin stressed that the government must take responsibility for the bill’s failure.

“The government’s failure in this matter is its own failure, not anyone else’s,” he stressed.

He said PAS remained committed to genuine reform efforts, provided they are implemented responsibly, transparently and in line with the spirit of the Federal Constitution. - Mkini