No snap polls, return govt to Harapan via 'proper channels' - PKR Youth leader
A PKR Youth leader has argued against the need to hold a snap general election, saying Putrajaya should instead be returned to Pakatan Harapan "through proper channels".
Insisting that Harapan has been robbed of its mandate, PKR Youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman (above) said calling for general elections at a time when the county is recovering from Covid-19 would be a waste of funds...
- Added comments from Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham
A PKR Youth leader has argued against the need to hold a snap general election, saying Putrajaya should instead be returned to Pakatan Harapan "through proper channels".
Insisting that Harapan has been robbed of its mandate, PKR Youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman (above) said calling for general elections at a time when the county is recovering from Covid-19 would be a waste of funds.
"Therefore, if there's an opportunity, the mandate (to rule) should be returned to Harapan through proper channels.
"Harapan must return to steer the nation until the end of its mandate," he said in a statement today.
He further said Harapan has rightly decided to not field a candidate in the upcoming Chini by-election, sending a signal against polls called at a time when the country is focused on Covid-19 recovery plans.
When contacted, Syed Badli Shah told Malaysiakini the "proper channels" would see Harapan seeking an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to show that it has the support to reclaim Putrajaya.
"If they have the numbers, follow the Federal Constitution to seek an audience with the Agong and present it," he said.
Separately, Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham urged Muhyiddin to hand over the government to Harapan and its allies once it has been proven that they have the majority of the MPs on their side.
Among others, he argued that the move would save Malaysians almost RM100 million in pension payments which otherwise will have to be paid to PN ministers and deputy ministers who have hardly served.
"They were appointed on March 10, 2020, about three months ago.
"In the event of a dissolution of Parliament, under item 2(2) of the First Schedule to the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, ministers and deputy ministers would have been deemed to have served for 36 months and shall be entitled to a pension of 25 percent of their last drawn salary for life and in the event of their demise to be succeeded by their wives for a lifetime.
"If there is no dissolution, PN ministers and deputy ministers will get their pension based on their months of service and not 36 months," he explained.
Prior to the appointment of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had interviewed all MPs to determine who among them would command majority support of the Dewan Rakyat.
Perikatan Nasional had taken over federal power in late February after 22 months of Harapan rule and the current five-year term will only end on May 8, 2023.
The initial transition from Harapan to PN was marked by defections and speculations surrounding the final number of lawmakers on both sides.
Since then, there have been further speculations that Harapan would once again attempt to reclaim Putrajaya, prompting PN leaders including former premier Najib Abdul Razak to moot snap polls as a way to achieve political stability in the country.
Additional reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri
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