Monday, September 29, 2008

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY

In the Daily Express today, the Parliament Deputy Speaker said that there's no provision under the law for a vote of confidence and thus any move to table or propose such motion is a futile exercise. Whoa! Indeed this is very surprising and disturbing. That is to say that the government cannot be replaced ever! Well, maybe through the election and maybe just that..nothing else couldBeing a democratic nation where the people's voice is paramount such non existence is disturbing since there's no way for the people to change a government which is proven to be weak and even worse a tyrannic one. The government could then do anything it pleases forever. On the positive side, such non existence creates stability, which is good for Malaysia. Stability back up by draconian laws like the dreaded ISA is something very scary but that is the reality Malaysians have to endure and face with.
Nonetheless, every problem must have at least one solution though it is not as practical and time saving but at least we should be grateful as we still have a way out though an arduous one. The judiciary is one clear option but the Judiciary is one reluctant accomplice since we still have the election, which is of course the best way out. But, in the meantime we have to content ourselves with the present government, however weak and tyrannical it is. Not that I am saying that the present one is bad but certainly it is a weak government though many will disagree. The case of Stephen Kalong Ningkan should serve as a reminder and assistance.
Another way out is through the Palace which the Opposition is actively considering and leaning upon. The YDPA has the authority to dissolve the Parliament but subject to the advice of the Prime Minister. Here, there may be a few legal issues as to the definition of advice and its authority to compel the YDPA. One who is holding the power and is afraid of the consequences if he or they lose power will vehemently try to prevent any representation to the YDPA and ultimately lose both face and power. Robert Mugabe is a clear example but being Muslims we need to adhere to the principle of accountability and responsibility which calls for the honourable way out - Resign and bow out gracefully and pray hard that none untoward will fall upon!
Many discrepancies have been hurled against the government and the latest is the debacle by the NRD to one Malaysian elderly in Sabah and today also there's a rumour that UPKO one of the Sabah's BN component is considering their position in the coalition. Though, such incident to some as isolated and petty but to us it is a very huge issue as we are living amongst those so-called Malaysians who cannot even talk in the local dialect. Such discrimination I believe and I am confident many share the same view has been going on for a very long time although we are a partner of this nation and not a mere passenger or subordinate to other states. This is a fact similar to what Ahmad Ismail said few weeks ago which caused a furore. Therefore, if Sabah is a partner then please treat us like one!


The possession of unlimited power will make a
despot of almost any man. There is a possible Nero in the gentlest human creature that walks. — Thomas Bailey Aldrich

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

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