FOR the first time in Malaysia’s history, we have a unity government, with unlikely political parties coming together. It would not be unheard of to think that this motley crew of strange bedfellows would be more preoccupied with looking over their shoulders and politicking, rather than focusing on governance.
Lawyer Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos shares his thoughts on the practicalities of constitutionally forming this new government so that a political government can administer the existing administrative government.
We discuss potential pitfalls new prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should avoid at this time, and weigh out the likelihood a second Sheraton Move could take place despite the anti-hopping law being in effect.
What of the possibility of Anwar appointing individuals who have suffered crushing defeats in their own constituencies to his cabinet? The appointment of senators, politicians with ongoing court cases, the use of SDs (statutory declarations), and Anwar’s own use of the vote of confidence are unpacked in this conversation.
Finally, we discuss the involvement of the palace in advising the formation of this new unity government. Constitutionally, what is the role of the palace in this context? Was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin within his right to refuse to form a unity government when advised to do so by the king?
Jahaberdeen also schools us on the differences between our constitutional monarchy model and the Westminster system. – The Vibes, December 3, 2022
Presented by PETRA News chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin Mohammed Isa, executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan (better known as Rocky Bru), and editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez
Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound edited by Ethan Phoon