Special bill: Is Zahid trying to 'Umno-fy' democracy, asks Takiyuddin

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan lambasted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the latter’s suggestion to introduce a special bill to ensure a government remains in power for its full five-year term.

Takiyuddin did not mince his words when he described Zahid’s proposal as “a statement of a desperate person, to the point of absurdity”.

In a statement today, the Kota Bharu MP questioned Zahid’s intention, asking if the latter is trying to impose “Umno-style” controls on Malaysian democracy.

He said the Islamist party also questioned the motivation behind Zahid’s “novice suggestion”, especially considering Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s consistent claims of having over two-thirds support in the Parliament.

“Is Zahid not convinced by the claim or is he desperate to remain in power that he is ready to turn his back on the Federal Constitution and democracy just as he did to defend his position as Umno president despite going against the decision of the majority of the party’s members and grassroots?” Takiyuddin alleged.

“After facing continuous conflict in Umno following that action, does Zahid now feel qualified to drag the country into a crisis by hiding behind the words of wisdom like ‘for the interests of the people and the country’ after using the sacred trick of ‘the interests of the members and the party’ like before?”

When proposing the special bill yesterday, Zahid said it was to prevent past situations from recurring.

“I recommend that a bill be tabled to mandate a government remain until the end of the term if it is formed by a dominant political party or a combination of dominant parties and has the Agong’s consent.

“Otherwise, we will experience the same thing as before, and that is not good for the country and its people,” he said.

The BN chairperson was believed to be referring to the Sheraton Move in 2020.

It was also unclear if Zahid was proposing a Fixed-Term Parliaments Act model.

‘Federal Constitution would allow it’

The Umno president’s comments came after an alleged move by the opposition to topple the present administration.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin denied any attempts to overthrow the government but pointed out that the Federal Constitution would allow for it.

Takiyuddin also echoed his coalition leader’s sentiments, asserting that it is a law and practice that the change in government outside of elections is allowed under the Federal Constitution.

“It is in line with the democratic principles that are not only practised in this country but in other countries as well with conditions that the parties challenging the government’s position can prove the support of majority they receive either in the Parliament or through other channels permitted by the law.

“The constitution is very clear on this, and it has been made known to all that the condition of majority support is the basis for the formation of a legitimate government, either after a general election or at any other time,” Muhyiddin said.

Takiyuddin reiterated Muhyiddin’s comments, saying that there are specific provisions in the constitution that stipulate legitimate procedures and methods for the appointment of the prime minister and the formation of the government.

“Therefore, any effort to restrict or nullify that core principle, be it through new laws as proposed (by Zahid) or other undemocratic actions, are rejected or nullified definitively,” he stressed. - Mkini