COMMENT | We have not had a parliamentary sitting since the new government was formed.

The prime minister who was the home minister in the previous government and who was deputy prime minister in the government before that has considered it necessary to prorogue Parliament until May 18. It will sit for one day and will then be adjourned again.

Why is he doing that? The widespread belief is that he does not want a motion of no confidence moved against him. He now feverishly works to consolidate his majority in parliament. Positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) are being dished out like candy.

These positions come with generous emoluments and with perks, privileges, and considerable prestige. Qualifications and relevant experience for the position are not considered necessary. All MPs are qualified to head GLCs, said one PAS politician.

The prime minister when launching the economic stimulus package acknowledged that his government was not the government that the people elected and pledged to be a prime minister for all Malaysians.

We are a democracy and in a democracy, we elect our representatives to parliament and the state assemblies. The party that enjoys the confidence of the majority will form the government and elect the prime minister. We need a stable government of our choosing in power, and we need a government that serves the people.

There is also a role for the opposition in a parliamentary system. Because of the lockdown...