Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong against a government proposal to declare a state of emergency, describing it as a “historic” moment.
“It is a stand based on the spirit of the Federal Constitution and one which shows understanding of the people’s concerns and voices,” he said.
He noted that political leaders and members of civil society, academic figures and those in the media had spoken out against the proposal as being against the democratic spirit.
Anwar, who is PKR president, said he took note of the King’s advice against politicking and said MPs of his party would ensure that plans to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, unemployment, poverty and economic growth could be implemented effectively.
Do as you would be done by and be done by as you did.
A bunch of politicians who deserted their party and their electorate to seize power by joining with their opponents are now complaining that other politicians should not ‘politick’. They have sought to interpret the King’s words as an invitation for them to continue their minority administration unopposed.
Politicians are elected to politick. They group to agree on policies. The rebel MPs who form the present leadership of the coup coalition minority government are seeking to brand it as somehow unacceptable that their policies are opposed. That is the point of an opposition, to check a government.
The problem facing the Backdoor Boys is that their policies are opposed by a majority – so they have admitted through their recents antics.
Anwar is right to graciously acknowledge the advice of the King and make clear he would govern in the public interest based on majority support.