KUALA LUMPUR – Size matters, said Umno veteran Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, when it comes to restoring Parliament’s rightful role, while Bersatu’s Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is not the deputy one needs as a Dewan Rakyat strategist.
Shahrir, in a Facebook post today, laid out his reasons, and among them is that a deputy prime minister is typically the government whip responsible for managing strategies in the Lower House by wrangling the bloc’s frontbenchers and backbenchers.
“This is why, in picking a deputy prime minister, his role in the Dewan Rakyat must be taken into account.
“A parliamentarian like Azmin is incapable of this role because of the opposition’s anger towards him. He is seen as a ‘political criminal’ by both sides of the aisle and cannot be DPM, even if Tan Sri Muhyiddin (Yassin) was still PM.
“If Parliament needs to be strengthened, quality has to come first among front- and backbenchers. This is already limited to the 114 MPs (backing the prime minister).”
Shahrir said from the 114 MPs supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, if 70 are given positions, only 44 backbenchers are left.
“The 44 backbenchers cannot outweigh the opposition and independent bloc of 106 MPs. This is yet to take into account their quality and effectiveness in terms of debates and performance.
“The Dewan Rakyat has several select committees aside from the Public Accounts Committee. So, the 44 backbenchers are needed to fill up the select committees.
“Hence, frontbenchers (MPs with government posts) should not exceed 40% of the 114 MPs. This move will put backbenchers’ strength at 68 people, which is a good image for the country and they have a voice when people’s issues are being debated.”
He added that this could be tricky as the current government is a mixed one, and it is typical to see more ministers and deputies being appointed.
His comments come ahead of the anticipated cabinet announcement by Ismail Sabri today. It is expected that he will unveil his picks at 11am after seeking an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday in Kuantan. – The Vibes, August 27, 2021
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