Wan Junaidi: PM’S proposal will help nip corruption
SIBU: The Prime Minister’s proposal for political reforms, including to limit premiership tenure to two terms and ban party hopping, is seen as a step towards the right direction to effectively combat corrupt political practices, says Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic).
Considering the offer as historical and momentous, the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Minister said the move indicated Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s sincerity and commitment to bring about improvements in the local political scene.
“We have seen Barisan Nasional’s reformation agendas, we have seen Pakatan Harapan’s reformation proposals and now from Perikatan Nasional, which I consider to lead the rest.
“If there is enough support for the proposals, a true structural reform will come to Malaysia, one which has never been attempted before and which, I believe, no government will ever do again for a long time to come,” he added.
On proposals for parliamentary reforms, he said he fully supported the formation of a bipartisan collaboration in Parliament to resolve issues concerning Covid-19 and to assist with the nation’s recovery plan.
“This is indeed a step towards the right direction for a healthier and more mature political landscape. Opposition parties should not be viewed as the enemy. Instead, we should engage them so that they, too, can contribute,” Wan Junaidi said.
“I also support the proposal that an opposition leader should be accorded the facilities and perks of a senior minister.”
Wan Junaidi, the former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, also fully supported suggestions to equally divide the chairmanship of parliamentary select committees between the government and opposition.
“I think for now, we should put all of our differences aside and focus on how to overcome the current Covid-19 situation. There is no time for self-serving politicking. I think all Malaysians should support the PM and government in this,” he added.
In a statement yesterday, Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew urged all MPS to evaluate the PM’S offer and vote with their conscience.
Political compromise comes about not voluntarily but is prompted by the reality of the election results. Malaysian politics have been a series of compromises and accommodations since independence through coalition governments, he said.
“What was offered by Muhyiddin is one of such moments. The Federal Constitution mandates that the prime minister command majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Muhyiddin made the compromise, understanding that he needs support from across the aisle. To get their support, he has to make a legitimate and acceptable offer,” he added.
“The PM’S offer is actually good for the country and exactly what it needs moving forward. In the face of crises, we are often forced to think and act,” he said.
The offer made to opponents to gain their support to form the government is not bribery. It is in fact the very nature of a constitutional democratic system of government.”
On the proposed anti-hopping law, Lau said it would be an improvement for the nation and a deterrent to the current political culture of “jumping” for personal gain.