GE16: DAP Should Not Pressure PM, Respect Dissent Channels or Please Resign – Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP’s action in setting a four-month deadline for the government to fulfil reform promises will inadvertently put pressure on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and could potentially ensnare the party itself.

A Constitutional Expert from ISTAC-International Islamic University Malaysia, Associate Professor Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said, the principle of collective responsibility does not justify Cabinet members making open opposition or criticism towards the Prime Minister.

He said, any views can be submitted through the proper channel, during Cabinet meetings.

“If any Cabinet member disagrees with the Prime Minister, they can record their objections and motions of dissent in the meeting minutes.

“If a Cabinet member cannot respect these decorums and principles, he would be better off resigning,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Previously, DAP which controls 40 of the 150 Parliamentary seats in the government bloc, has five ministers and seven deputy ministers, urged Anwar to expedite major institutional reforms by December 2026.

DAP Chairman, Gobind Singh Deo urged Anwar to expedite major institutional reforms by December, including separating the roles of the attorney general and public prosecutor, limiting the prime minister’s term to two terms, and allocating constituency development funds fairly.

The statement is in line with continuing the momentum from the recent DAP congress when delegates resolved to remain in the government but demanded the implementation of reforms.

DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke was also reported as saying they would discuss the timeline for implementation of the matter with Anwar.

Elaborating further, Wan Ahmad Fauzi said, disagreements among Cabinet members will not portray stability of a government administration besides putting undue pressure on the PM.

“Cabinet members represent the interests of the government and are subject to the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution. They need to distinguish between party agendas and the government’s obligation to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution.

“Differences and criticisms can exist, but they must be managed through the proper channels,” he said.

Astro Awani