Action over 19 ironical: Ellron
Published on: Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Sook Assemblyman Datuk Ellron Angin has accused Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal of not practising what he preaches for failing to uphold the rule of law that he demands must always be respected."It is ironical for him to have said that the Rule of Law must be respected when he himself failed to uphold it and comply with the Constitution of the State of Sabah regarding his purported swearing-in as the second Chief Minister on May 12," he said in a statement.He said according to legal practitioners that were consulted, the swearing-in of the 19 lawmakers were properly done before the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly as required in the State Constitution.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The advice given by the lawyers was also that Shafie failed to appreciate the separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative branches of government and the statutory requirements."Furthermore, being a Member of Parliament for many years does not make him an expert in parliamentary procedures and separation of powers in a Westminster model of government," he said. Shafie has reportedly voiced his displeasure over the swearing-in of the 19 lawmakers not aligned to Warisan, citing "stern action would be taken against those who went against the rules of the Assembly". Ellron said Shafie's actions, including the rumoured ticking off of both the Speaker and the Secretary of the Assembly and the summary dismissal of the Secretary, also appear to have failed to show respect and autonomy of the Legislature and the Speaker as head of the Legislature.
ADVERTISEMENT
"If the rumours are true, then Shafie's actions against the Secretary and Speaker appear to be more than an emotional outburst but rather an iron-fisted show of power. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
ADVERTISEMENT
"Before he takes any further action while awaiting the outcome of the court cases taken by Tan Sri Musa Aman, he should look into the mirror and reflect upon himself whether he has failed to uphold the Rule of Law by breaking the law and contravening the State Constitution by getting himself sworn-in as the unlawful Chief Minister," added Ellron, who undersigned himself as the 'Minister of Rural Development lawfully sworn-in on 10 May' in his press statement.
