PKR MPs call for no-confidence vote against Najib, want transition government
The Malaysian Insider
Urging all Members of Parliament (MPs) to unite and support a no-confidence vote against Datuk Seri Najib Razak following concerns over political upheavals in the country, a group of PKR federal lawmakers has proposed that a transition government be formed.
It was among four broad terms suggested by the group of 20, who said the power-sharing transition government comprising representatives from both Barisan Nasional and the opposition, should call for a general election within two years to enable an elected government to take over the reins of the country.
"As Members of Parliament, we are duty bound to represent the will and voice of the people, in supporting the removal of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister in a vote of no-confidence for the sake of our nation, in order to restore democracy and the moral integrity and independence of our public institutions.
"We will work with all Members of Parliament irrespective of their party to support a no-confidence vote against the prime minister," the group said in a statement today.
The signatories of the statement are Nurul Izzah Anwar (Lembah Pantai), Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), Tian Chua (Batu), Sivarasa Rasiah (Subang), Zuraida Kamaruddin (Ampang), Lee Boon Chye (Gopeng), Datuk Johari Abdul (Sungai Petani), Darell Leiking (Penampang), Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan), Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru), Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong (Wangsa Maju), Mohd Imran Abdul Hamid (Lumut), Wong Chen (Kelana Jaya), William Leong (Selayang), Datuk Fauzi Abdul Rahman (Indera Mahkota), Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng (Miri), Dr Azman Ismail (Kuala Kedah), Manivanan Gowin (Kapar), ee Loy Sian (Petaling Jaya Selatan) and Gooi Hsiao Leung (Alor Setar).
The group said the transition government should initiate immediate reforms to ensure free and fair elections, free media, and strengthen Malaysia's system of parliamentary democracy.
It should also set up an emergency economic committee to address concerns over the weakening ringgit, the contentious goods and services tax (GST), increasing living costs and eradicating crony capitalism.
Additionally, the transition government should immediately establish an independent royal commission to make recommendations to ensure that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 shall be honoured and be implemented to its fullest effect.
In justifying their call, the 20 MPs said they were alarmed by recent actions taken to undermine democracy, the rule of law and good governance in Malaysia, particularly the manner in which public institutions have been "subverted and used to shield" Najib from being investigated concerning his links to the Finance ministry-owned 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal as well as the RM2.6 billion "donation" from an unknown Middle Eastern donor into his personal bank accounts.
"The above actions and the total lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the prime minister to fully explain the 1MDB financial scandal has shaken investors’ confidence, negatively impacted the ringgit and the overall economy, causing financial hardship to the people of Malaysia.
"We are convinced that if the concentration of power in the hands of one individual continues unchecked and not quickly reversed, Malaysia will be pushed towards becoming a dictatorship and a failed state," the lawmakers added. – August 23, 2015.
