Groups moot 'political emergency' if no clear majority in Parliament

 

More than 20 Malay-Muslim NGOs and supporting individuals have called for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to urgently reconvene Parliament and validate his Perikatan Nasional administration.

At the same time, the groups said Muhyiddin’s failure to pass a vote of confidence will see another prolonged state of political uncertainty as no other parties appear to command a strong majority.

“The current prime minister (Muhyiddin) or the new prime minister will continue to face the same polemic and attempts to disrupt the country’s administration.

“The country’s state of politics will remain shaky,” said the groups, which include, among others, Pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela) and the Muslim Consumers’ Association (PPIM).

Taking into account the risks of political instability, the groups proposed for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the advice of the government or otherwise, to declare a political emergency under Article 150(1) of the Federal Constitution for six to eight months.

It also proposed formation of an interim government or special committee without any political participation, focusing on economic and health sector recovery.

“This committee can also use emergency powers to make changes and reset the economy, finance sectors, politics and healthcare system within a short time,” they said.

“Parliament can continue to function and elected representatives will continue to serve, make preparations for the 15th general elections, aside from temporary check and balance,” they said.

Stressing that the people have had enough of political instability, the groups said the interim government or special committee will be disbanded after a set date based on success to achieve herd immunity or other indicators that would allow GE15 to be called.

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said a failure by Parliament to resolve the current political impasse will leave the next decision in the hands of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Muhyiddin on Wednesday said he would allow lawmakers to decide on his fate when Parliament convenes next month.

This led to allegations that the prime minister would use the window to garner support for himself through underhanded measures.

Muhyiddin’s political rivals, including Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, have demanded that the Parliament sitting be held now to determine if the prime minister still has majority support in Dewan Rakyat. - Mkini