'Chief sec, should BN form caretaker gov't or not?'

Former KL Criminal Investigations Department chief Mat Zain Ibrahim is calling on chief secretary to the government Dr Ali Hamsa to explain the current government’s status - whether it remains legimate or should a ‘caretaker’ government be formed.

“Now, more and more of the people are questioning the legitimacy of the current government as the five-year mandate has lapsed at as March 8, 2013, if you take into account that the 12th general election was held on March 8, 2008,” Mat Zain wrote in an open letter to Ali today.

“The people cannot be blamed (for questioning the government) as this is the first time we are faced with such a situation.

“It is either the government should be taken as a caretaker government, or it is still within its mandate.”

Hence, Mat Zain said, Ali ( left ) should take the initiative to explain the current BN-led government’s status in a language that is easy for all the rakyat to comprehend.

This, he said, would prevent any misunderstanding from arising, or the dissemination of any mischievous speculations.

Not explaining clearly could also threaten the harmony and peace of the country, as well as cause suspicions to be cast on the government, he added.

Government's 'moral authority in question'

Prominent constitutional lawyer Tommy Thomas had, earlier this month, said the ruling BN government should have become a caretaker government on March 8.

Thomas had explained that going by Article 55(3) of the federal constitution, the current Parliament should automatically “stand dissolved” on April 28, the day on which exactly five years ago it held its first meeting.

Article 55(4) of the constitution states that the general election must be held within 60 days of that date, hence the very last date on which GE13 can legally be held is June 28, 2013.

Although it is “constitutional and legal” for BN to remain in office from March 9 to June 28, this year, Thomas said, “its political legitimacy and moral authority” would be in question.

“Voters can legitimately say that they voted for a BN government on March 8, 2008, to govern for five years, and if that government does not choose to secure another mandate within that period, it becomes a caretaker government,” he said.