Parliament secretary replacement gives 'undue influence' perception: opposition parties

Opposition parties have said that the last-minute replacement of the Parliament secretary just days before the May 18 sitting is a worrying development as it creates a perception of "undue influence" over Parliament.

In a joint statement today, Pakatan Harapan, Bersatu and Warisan also expressed disappointment that the one-day Dewan Rakyat sitting on May 18 will not be a full sitting, which they claimed is the first in Malaysian history.

“This order (for the sitting to only hear Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s address) is extremely regrettable and very disappointing because Parliament should function as a platform for the people’s voice and as a pillar of democracy. 

"This action will be seen by the rakyat as the prime minister’s refusal to face opposition lawmakers.

“At the same time, we are very shocked by the announcement of the replacement of the Parliament secretary effective May 13, which is only five days before Parliament will hear the Agong’s address.

“This is a very concerning action as it creates the perception that there is undue influence by certain parties on the institution of the Parliament,” they said in a joint statement today,

The statement was co-signed by PKR president and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Warisan president Shafie Apdal.

It was reported yesterday that the one-day Parliament sitting on May 18 will only have a single agenda that being the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s opening address.

This effectively slams the door shut on any no-confidence motion by the opposition. Government business will also not be conducted.

Meanwhile, today saw the secretary to the Dewan Rakyat Riduan Rahmat being replaced after less than three months in the position.

It is understood that Riduan – who was appointed to the position on Feb 22 just days before the “Sheraton Move” that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government – has now been appointed as the Dewan Negara management secretary.

A statement by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Mohd Yusof confirmed that Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin, who had previously served in the Cabinet, Constitution and Inter-Government Relations Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, had been appointed the new Dewan Rakyat secretary effective yesterday (May 13).

It was also reported that a source had said that Riduan was being replaced for being "secretive" over the filing of no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin by Mahathir and Shafie.

A reliable source told Malaysiakini that Riduan was only informed that he would be replaced as Parliament secretary last night.

Regardless of these incidents, said the opposition in their statement today, they will continue their efforts to return the rakyat’s mandate to where it belongs. - Mkini