KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should resign after publicly admitting that he does not have a majority anymore, said the Malaysian Bar.
Its president, A.G. Kalidas, in a statement today said this is in accordance with Article 43(2) of the federal constitution, which states that: “If the prime minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the, then, unless at his request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament, the prime minister shall tender the resignation of the cabinet.”
He said the words and intent are clear, and beyond doubt that Muhyiddin must resign.
“The constitution does not provide that the prime minister shall tender the resignation of the cabinet only if another MP can demonstrate that he or she commands the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat members.”
According to Article 43(2), Kalidas said only the Agong has the power to call upon those whom His Majesty thinks has the requisite parliamentary confidence and support to try to form a government.
“It is, therefore, not Muhyiddin’s place to usurp that consideration to himself, or to pre-empt the decision and discretion of the Agong. Nor is it his place to make that question the condition for his future actions.”
He said the Malaysian Bar is of the view that the Bersatu president can begin the process of healing the nation and bringing back its glory days by abiding to constitutional provisions – and that is to resign.
“In his announcement, he stated that he believes that ‘we will heal this nation together and bring back its glory’.
“The best way he can begin the process of healing this nation and bringing back its glory is to honour and respect the words, spirit, meaning and intent of the constitution, and abide strictly by its provisions.
“When the prime minister no longer commands the support of the majority in Parliament, he should take the honourable route, which is to step down as that is the right thing to do.”
Muhyiddin had yesterday made a last 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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