AS Pakatan Harapan scrambled with another round of new numbers, trying to convince the King to reconsider his decision about the next Prime Minister, we saw the system staying the course admirably. The most impressive part of this power struggle is the fact that it has been peaceful, even as indications swung profusely back and forth.
The people have sat back and let our U-turning and inconsistent politicians do their utmost in the race to Putrajaya. The underlying fact is that all this reflects the strength of our democratic system as a whole. Ultimately, the decision will go back to the electorate.
It was a shocking and unnecessary crisis in the first place. There was no need for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign so abruptly as PM, triggering the series of events that has led to a new government being formed. But that was his prerogative and we have to respect it, accept it and deal with it. Simply screaming that the mandate of the people has been usurped is not enough when the custodians given the trust to carry that mandate have themselves reneged!
It was an attempt to extend the control of power centred on a “one- man show”, although many refuse to acknowledge that fact by disguising their intentions. We really must show abhorrence and that we have had enough of such sinister approaches.
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We also have to respect whoever has resigned, as no one is indispensable when it comes to serving the nation first. Many do not seem to understand this aspect of duty and service. Most have personal vested interests that are detrimental to real nationhood but some are genuinely disappointed and feel that they no longer want to be part of a leadership that does not honour promises.
Nevertheless, it was refreshing to see how our Parliamentary system has matured in the manner the head of the Legislative branch and the Judiciary played their roles in sync with the monarchy to diffuse the crisis in the selection of the head of the Executive branch.
This, I thought, is a fantastic evolution in the reform of New Malaysia, although it has been quite a bumpy ride thus far. The situation clearly shows that the checks and balances in our Parliamentary system are working well.
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It would be prudent for the people to accept and respect the decision made by the monarchy and thereafter allow our Parliamentary system to take its course peacefully and with dignity. The next battleground will of course be in the august house of the Dewan Rakyat. The numbers game will again resurface as politicians will keep scrambling for new positions of influence. There is nothing to be alarmed about by this process, as governments can function without majority rule by any party.
Ultimately, the people can and must decide. Society will always deserve the type of politics and politicians it gets.