Wee: Absence of a strong opposition is worrying

PETALING JAYA: The defection of Sabah Umno leaders, which has led to an absence of a strong opposition in the state, is worrying, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

With everyone in the government, Dr Wee asked who would be holding it responsible for its actions.

“Democracy flourishes when there is a two-party system with checks and balances. If everyone jumps to become part of the government, who will be the opposition?

“Who will be the voice of the people inside and outside of Parliament to hold the government responsible for its actions?

“The situation in Sabah, where there is no longer any strong opposition after the recent mass jumping of state assemblymen from the opposition to the government, is worrying,” he said on Facebook yesterday.

Democracy flourishes when there is a two-party system with checks and balances Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong

Citing an example of why a strong opposition was important, Dr Wee said a “super-majority” Sabah government had amended the state constitution to now allow the governor to serve beyond the two-term limit.

The amendment, which was passed on Thursday despite objections from the opposition, allows the Sabah governor to serve beyond two terms of four years each.

“How does this move benefit the rakyat? How is it consistent with Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto that seeks to limit the terms of those in power? This is one example why there is always a need for a strong opposition. This is rule number one in democracy,” he said.

Dr Wee called on everyone in MCA to understand the importance of their roles and responsibility as the opposition.

“MCA members and leaders must understand why this is important; why you are important and why we must carry out our responsibility and perform our roles well – for the sake of the nation and for democracy,” he said.