Should we really leave everything to the PM?

Although the prime minister may want to have his own way, he cannot ignore the wishes and aspirations of component parties.

COMMENT

By TK Chua

If we have a prime minister who is already powerful, should we give him even more power?

I recently read a letter arguing that no one should question the prime minister’s discretion in appointing members of the Cabinet.

But Pakatan Harapan (PH) is a coalition government. While the prime minister may want his way, he is not completely free to ignore the wishes and the aspirations of the component parties.

Bickering may tear the coalition apart, but unfairness and under-representation, whether real or perceived, may also cause problems.

The best formula is to be fair and keep everybody in check.

If Malaysia truly aspires to break free from the shackles of the past, the prime minister and members of the Cabinet must continue to listen to the voices of the people every day, not just before the general election.

The prime minister must also subject himself to criticism. Our previous prime ministers did not behave or perform according to our expectations precisely because of our self-imposed reverence for them. In fact, some of them abused their power and defiled the sanctity of their office.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a mere mortal. He is subject to personal bias and preferences. He may make decisions and policies that are not always in sync with the wishes of the people. It is our duty to disagree and advise.

No doubt he played a critical role in stirring Malaysians to vote out the previous administration. But we can’t ignore the fact that it was DAP and PKR who started the flame and kept it burning through the decades.

I am sure these two parties have aspirations and objectives just like any other political party. I also think it is troubling to see old ideas and recycled personalities making a comeback and now being camouflaged in the new Malaysia.

Similarly, rewarding PPBM and Amanah more to lure Umno and PAS members into joining PH is not in sync with the new Malaysia. It is like doing more of the same.

PH must keep its ideals sacrosanct – fair distribution of power, reward based on contribution, and contribution based on ability. Think about it: Only the fair distribution of power can ensure checks and balances.

PH may ignore these principles and many of its able lieutenants at its own peril.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.