KUALA LUMPUR – There is no provision for a minority government in the federal constitution, said Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Azalina in a Facebook post today said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had publicly admitted that he does not have a majority, cannot lead a minority government.
“He cannot install himself as the prime minister of a minority government as he does not enjoy majority support anymore. He must resign as prime minister according to Article 43(4) of the constitution.”
She said in the event a sitting prime minister loses majority support in Parliament, there are two steps to be taken under the federal constitution.
The first is to prove that he or she has majority support, but the motion must come from lawmakers, and not from any political party. If he or she is unable to prove this, then they can offer to form a minority government.
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Posted by Azalina Othman Said on Saturday, August 14, 2021
“Article 43(2)(a) of the constitution does not prevent the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from inviting any MP to offer himself as the head of government, provided he has the majority support of MPs.
“What needs to be emphasised here is that the motion should come from MPs, and not political parties.
“If none of the MPs can get a majority mandate, then a lawmaker can bring forward the offer of a minority government together with the number of lawmakers who have given conditional support through a ‘confidence and supply agreement’ to him.”
Azalina said the federal constitution does not require the Agong to form a government, or act as a consultant or mediator on behalf of political parties to form a government.
His Majesty’s responsibility is to simply appoint a lawmaker whom, in his opinion, is likely to hold the trust of the majority of the federal legislators, she added.
However, she said a minority government that is not well-formed and well-managed will not last long.
It will be vulnerable since a minority government will face difficulties in passing laws in Parliament. This will affect its ability to govern and manage a country.”
Earlier, the Pengerang MP had rubbished rumours that Muhyiddin is delaying a confidence vote to secure support from Pakatan Harapan to form a minority government.
She also slammed as baseless suspicions that the prime minister aims to get backing from the opposition coalition through a confidence and supply agreement.
Muhyiddin had yesterday made a last-ditch plea to remain in power, urging opposition lawmakers to lend him support in Parliament.
In what appears to be an attempt to cling to his position amid growing talk of a loss of majority, the embattled prime minister promised to implement a slew of changes and policies.
This includes introducing a two-term limit for the head of government and an anti-hopping law, benefits and remuneration for the opposition leader equal to that of a federal senior minister, and allowing for opposition MPs in discussion of any bill, including federal budgets. – The Vibes, August 14, 2021
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