KUANTAN – Pahang's State Legislative Assembly today approved a motion to amend the state constitution to appoint five assemblymen without going through the election process.
The motion, brought forward by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, was passed by majority vote without the presence of opposition assemblymen, who walked out of the hall in protest against the motion.
Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung of PKR was absent as he is attending a seminar abroad.
Earlier, Wan Rosdy proposed an amendment to Article 18 be made to enable the appointment of five assemblymen in light of the unprecedented Covid-19 situation.
“These appointed assemblymen can reduce the ratio of an assemblyman to the total population in Pahang because we are a large state. This is to complement each other and ensure there is no overlapping of roles.
“The appointment is not politically motivated but people-oriented. We see their opportunity to serve and it needs to be brought to the State Legislative Assembly to justify their professional qualifications before they can be appointed,” he told the assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
Wan Rosdy said the amendment states that the appointment of the assemblymen must be approved by a simple majority and that they can participate in debates and have the right to vote.
However, the five assemblymen are not eligible to be elected menteri besar or members of the state exco.
“(There is) nothing unusual with the appointment as Sabah and Terengganu have done it. This amendment was discussed at the exco meeting on July 22 and the post-exco meeting on August 3, which was chaired by the state secretary, who also agreed with the proposal,” he said.
Bilut assemblyman Lee Chin Chen was the first to protest the motion, saying the move goes against the principles of democracy.
Ketari assemblyman Young Syefura Othman agreed, saying the decision involved financial implications, adding that the small number of opposition assemblymen would not be able to effectively provide checks and balances on the state government's administration.
However, former Pahang menteri besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, who is also Pelangai assemblyman, said the move is appropriate as it enables professionals from minority groups to be appointed elected representatives and raise issues concerning their community.
The state assembly sitting was adjourned to a date to be fixed later. – Bernama, November 20, 2020
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