KUALA LUMPUR – The appointment of a capable and qualified governor is necessary to avoid a repeat of the political quagmire in Melaka that has forced the state into a snap election, said opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH).
In his budget debate in the Dewan Rakyat today, he also pinned the blame on state government leaders for having a hand in advising the governor to dissolve the Melaka Legislative Assembly.
“The problem is the decision of the state Umno government in influencing the governor without thinking further about its implications. That is why I said the cause (of burden to the rakyat) is because of the idiocy of several leaders.
“They then broke all existing laws and announced the dissolution of the state assembly in what was the quickest move in Malaysia’s history. What kind of administration is this?
“That is why next time when the prime minister wants to propose a candidate for the governor, make sure he is qualified, competent and has integrity to care for the public interest.”
Anwar was responding to comments from several opposition lawmakers of how the government is practising double standards in its implementation of standard operating procedures pertaining to the upcoming polls, against Pakatan Harapan (PH).
On October 5, Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam announced the dissolution of the assembly, following the withdrawal of support of four assemblymen for the state leadership.
The move caught heavy criticism from various quarters, with Malaysia still recording a high number of Covid-19 infections.
The Election Commission has set November 20 for polling, with nomination day to be held next Monday.
Ali was former Melaka chief minister for the Umno government, and had contested a number of elections under the party banner.
On the double standard enforcement of SOPs, Anwar questioned how PKR was fined RM10,000 for holding a crowdless mobile ceramah in Melaka while government leaders got off the hook despite taking part in large gatherings.
“I completely disagree if the election is held in such a manner. I understand this is a sensitive issue for the prime minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob), but he is a prime minister for all Malaysians, not just for Umno.”
PKR was fined RM10,000 on Saturday after leaders delivered speeches from a makeshift stage at residential areas through loudspeakers.
Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (Hang Tuah Jaya-PH), in Parliament today, similarly raised questions on the action taken against PKR, and asked how else would parties conduct their election campaigns.
“Why hold an election if we can’t hold campaigns? What kind of election is this?”
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution (Kulim Bandar Baru-PH) also slammed the government for not being fair in their enforcement and urged Ismail Sabri to announce clearer SOPs to avoid confusion and tension. – The Vibes, November 1, 2021
