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Tun M Ruffles Feathers Again

Feb 28, 2020

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has come under fire from both sides of the political divide. 

They're upset over the interim PM's announcement yesterday that a special Dewan Rakyat sitting will be held on Monday to determine our next Prime Minister.

Pakatan Harapan says the announcement is a challenge to the rights and privileges of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong - who has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Even UMNO leaders were slighted by Tun M's speech, saying they will wait for the decree by the King.

Constitutional lawyer Surendra Ananth told us the Federal Constitution does not provide for the Dewan Rakyat to elect a Prime Minister among its members.

"In my view I think its the usual case where the Monarch will pick someone who in his view is likely to command the confidence. It has always been the case where the Monarch will make the decision, even if its not a clear-cut case. Its then up to the House, or any backbencher or opposition MP to move for a vote of no-confidence."

Image: PMO

Surendra says its usually either a vote of confidence or no-confidence against the sitting PM that takes place in the Dewan Rakyat.. not a move to pick a Prime Minister.

Tun M also added to the current uncertainty by not discounting the possibility of Bersatu nominating its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as its candidate for PM.

Political Analyst Dr. Oh Ei Sun says this could be a sign that Dr. Mahathir has something up his sleeve.

"Muhyiddin would sort of be a back up just in case Dr Mahathir do not garner the requisite votes of the members of Parliament. Then perhaps Muhyiddin, who is a slightly less controversial figure than Dr M will go on to be PM... and this is at least somebody who can actually work with Tun M." 

Meanwhile, today will hopefully provide more answers to the questions surrounding the country's political future. 

The Yang Dipertuan Agong is expected to meet with the Malay Rulers to discuss the current turmoil.

Written by Roshini Ravindran