PUTRAJAYA: The DAP respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision, but wants Parliament session to be held to endorse the newly-minted prime minister, confirming he has the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat.
Its national organising secretary Anthony Loke said the party viewed the appointment of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the eighth PM on the basis of respecting the decision of the King.
“The Constituency states that the Agong has the absolute power to appoint the prime minister. We respect that. The Agong was satisfied that Tan Sri Muhyiddin was likely to command the majority. So we respect that.
“There is no question Muhyiddin is the eighth prime minister. So we respect him as the prime minister, but he needs to go to Parliament,” he told reporters after the Transport Ministry's monthly special assembly and Ministerial Appreciation event here on Monday.
Present were Transport Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Isham Ishak and Road Transport Director, Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid.
Loke also said DAP had always upheld the Rukun Negara principle, which is - Loyalty To King And Country; The Supremacy Of The Constitution; and The Rule Of Law to resolve any issues including political turmoil.
“A person who is elected as the prime minister must abide by the law and be supported by a Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat.
"If the parliamentary session is delayed, how can we show whether there is support or not. Don’t forget, parliament stands to dissolve if there is no sitting within six months.Thus, we have to be prepared for all eventualities including fresh general election.
“So the new prime minister cannot run away from the fact that he needs the endorsement from Parliament. If they (the new prime minister and his government) have the majority, there is nothing to be feared,"
Loke also stressed on the importance of maintaining peace; ensuring the people could continue living in harmony; Malaysia could proceed with its business and the public could continue accessing the government services.
“Stability and peace are the most top agenda for us. It was unfortunate what had happened, but we will act peacefully and we will act rationally.”
Loke also recorded his appreciation on the good cooperation he had received from the Transport Ministry staff in the 21 months he was its minister.
“On Feb 26, I was supposed to table the working Cabinet paper in relation to the MH370 incident, however it could not be done as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had stepped down as the prime minister and the Cabinet was dissolved.
“I hope my successor would continue with the ministry’s efforts including in finalising the Electric Train Services (ETS) with Singapore before the end of April as well as the amendments involving driving under the influence which lead to death’s,” said the former Transport Minister, adding he would still be busy as a member of parliament and with party works.
Muhyiddin was sworn in as the 8th prime minister on Sunday before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.