LETTER | Parliament must function in a parliamentary democracy

LETTER | The euphoria we experienced after the change of government barely less than two years ago, has whittled down to great disappointment. We should have been celebrating the second anniversary of this historic change with Malaysia moving progressively into a new era of unity on a melting pot platform of cultural diversity. 

We had so many wonderful dreams of a new Malaysia. Instead, we have a new government that was not elected by the people in the corridors of power, taking over Putrajaya through the infamous Sheraton Move. And they are right smack in the middle of a national crisis. 

Strange are the ways of political misfortune or fortune to some, when people in position mix and match desire, greed, prejudices and arrogance into a toxic concoction, for their own personal needs and wants. It would not be too far off tangent to say that Pakatan Harapan reaped what they sowed.

It was a gross misstep by Dr Mahathir Mohamad who resigned abruptly and handed over the reins of power to Perikatan Nasional (PN) on a silver platter. The numbers fell into place for the new government and Malaysians had their legitimate 8th prime minister sworn in, amidst all the controversies of it being unethical and immoral. It was a case of pure mathematics and the real numbers were the only recourse available.

Harapan never really kept to their promises in their own manifesto and paid the price when it became clear that Mahathir was more than reluctant to hand over the reins of power to Anwar Ibrahim. Strategy and lies were dishonourably intertwined in the illustrations given, coupled with confusing liberalism with Malaysian values and ambitions. 

It was classic Mahathirism which resulted in the people paying a heavy price for this unnecessary charade of internal bickering. The decision to resign as prime minister should have been referred to the Harapan presidential council as it was this same council that supported Mahathir's appointment as the 7th prime minister even though his party had the lowest number of seats at the material time. 

It is opined that it will not be wishful thinking to hope that we have seen the last of such recklessness when the people vote again in the next general election.

There is no point crying over spilt milk as all that seems irrelevant now. We have to look to PN in Putrajaya, for competent and effective leadership in steering the nation out of its most challenging crisis since the war against the communist insurgency. 

In fact, they are actually doing extremely well with an effective civil servant at the helm of our battle against the coronavirus. The eloquence and ease in the manner he appeals to the public, handles the statistics, updates the state of logistics and explains the strategy in flattening the curve, are excellent and more importantly, calming. 

He has undoubtedly won the hearts and minds of the people apart from ensuring clarity in the importance of the public's role in the overall war against this invisible enemy. Thanks to him, his staff and the supporting security personnel, we are presently on top of the situation. Although it is clear that we are not out of the woods yet.

However, we must keep in mind that sooner or later we have to return to other aspects of governance. Our exit strategy must be transparently clear on the approach to be taken. 

It is imperative that all the three arms of our political system, must all start moving in tandem again. The executive and judiciary functioning alone is insufficient to ensure proper accountability and responsibility especially in a parliamentary democracy such as ours. 

It is compulsory that the legislative arm functions in its role as soon as possible. Good governance demands it. The longer it is delayed the less accountable and the less responsible, the executive may become.

It has been a turbulent two years for our nation and all Malaysians. The fight is far from over on all fronts ranging from the virus to sociopolitical decorum and for the moment we have no choice but to give our utmost cooperation to all those in authority to ensure that we come out as victors over this pandemic that is threatening not only all Malaysians but the global community as well. 

We must stay the course together along with all those tasked to carry out their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities with compassion, fairness and without fear or favour.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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