A RECENT statement by a Cabinet minister has sparked discussions among constitutional experts regarding the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s Westminster-style parliamentary system.
Constitutional expert Dr. Abdul Aziz Bari stated that under Malaysia's system, every Cabinet member is bound by the principle of collective responsibility as outlined in Article 43(3) of the Federal Constitution.
This principle requires unity in Cabinet decisions, especially when public statements are made.
“Any differences of opinion should be discussed internally. If a minister wishes to express a view publicly, convention dictates that the minister should no longer remain in the Cabinet,” Dr. Abdul Aziz explained in a statement.
He further clarified that the same principle does not apply to leaders of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), as they are not part of the Cabinet and therefore not subject to the collective responsibility principle.
Dr. Abdul Aziz’s comments were in response to a recent interview with Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
During the interview, Nanta, who is the Member of Parliament for Kapit, expressed concerns about the political divide between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, using the term "divorce" to describe the possibility of a split over political and racial issues.
"I want Malaysia to continue being a progressive country where people live in harmony. Is that too much to ask? But I am worried... if we continue to quarrel over everything, don’t blame us, don’t blame the people of Sarawak. If you don’t like us, then divorce us," Nanta stated during the interview.
Dr. Abdul Aziz noted that in the history of Malaysia’s politics, there have been instances where leaders resigned from Cabinet positions after differing with the administration’s stance.
He referenced figures such as Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, Ghafar Baba, and Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, who made the decision to step down during various administrations due to differing views.
He stressed the importance of adhering to the Constitution and political conventions, which are crucial to the integrity of the country's governance system.
"Adherence to the Constitution and political conventions is a key element in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the governance system," Dr. Abdul Aziz added. - February 2, 2026
