An MCA leader has expressed concern over Pakatan Harapan's Council of Eminent Persons, set up to help advise the new government, saying it is not guided by the federal constitution.
The party's religious harmony bureau chairperson Ti Lian Ker in a statement today asked, “Who are the members of the council answerable or accountable to?”
“Despite the 'feel good factor' and agreeing to the advisory role of the council, we are still worried that this non-constitutional institution will be a precedent that eventually will metamorphosise into the 'council of elders' proposed by PAS, whereby the syura council have the ultimate say with unlimited and unchecked powers overruling the cabinet and the Parliament."
One of Mahathir's first steps as the new prime minister was to announce the establishment of the council, comprising eminent national figures who will serve as advisors to the government.
Among them are former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, former Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former Petronas president Mohd Hassan Merican, tycoon Robert Kuok, and renowned economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram.
Mahathir had said the council would help the new government get set up in the interim period, and help Harapan achieve its 100-day promise, adding that would be the rough duration of its existence.
'Legality and authority' of council
Ti said MCA was concerned about the 'constitutionality, legality and authority' of the unprecedented council, which he said must be explained or defined.
“Will this be a step towards recognising PAS' 'council of elders' that will determine the policies of the country superseding the cabinet or the executives?
“Are we setting the stage for political councils (in whatever name) to assume or hijack powers of the cabinet or institutions outlined by the constitution?”
Ti said since the council is not defined in the constitution, there could be a danger of it usurping power from the elected government in future.
However, he said MCA is in support of any good or better governance.
“If Harapan is now doing well and good for the people, MCA despite being in the opposition will continue to support all good efforts, policies and governance,” he said, adding, “Umno should now realise that the 'ketuanan Melayu' years are over.” -Mkini
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