Today was the first day of parliament after nearly 5 months of hiatus, a not so normal situation for a democratic country like ours, nevertheless what was suppose to be a fanfare seating all Member of Parliament were only allowed to listen to the Kings opening speech and no debate were permitted.
The 1 day seating was necessary in accordance to advice from the governments special security task force in line with the Conditional Movement Control Order keeping Covid 19 from spreading. But the opposition party’s claim the reason as an excuse by the new government to prolong from MP’s convening as long as possible. Build up to May 18 is not without drama and juicy gossips, there were rumours Perikatan Nasional will be dismantled due to lack of support and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin losing his leadership.
Interestingly ex-PM Tun Dr. Mahathir filed a vote of no confidence against Muhyiddin which was suppose to be tabled during parliament. His contention is that the current PM does not have the majority backing from the 222 MP’s. No doubt, Muhyiddin is ruling on a razor thin margin, Covid 19 came as an opportune time for the premier giving him leeway to assemble his support to a more stable coalition, one that is not as shaky as it is now. Mahathir’s dogging attack will come with repercussion, his son lost Kedah, more PH MP’s are jumping ship and the new government losing sight of the current enemy, Covid 19.
Public sentiment is not favouring the ex-PM at the moment, Malaysians gave him a chance and he blew it, even the King, Yang Pertuan Agong in a statement issued today after Parliament.
” During our said meeting, I asked Yang Berhormat Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad not to resign. But he insisted that his mind is made up. So it was my responsibility to elect a new Prime Minister in accordance to the country’s Constitution”
Next seating will be in July, expect an intense two month with breaks during Hari Raya and more announcement in economic stimulus, before politics take over national media again.
