Will Abdullah dissolve Parliament in mid-session for polls?


Will the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dissolve Parliament to enable the 12th general election to be held this month, although Parliament is in mid-session, rendering six weeks of parliamentary meeting (four of which are on the ongoing debate on the 2008 budget) going to waste?

Almost eight years ago, on November 10, 1999, when it was obvious that the then Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was going to dissolve Parliament when Parliament was in mid-session debating the 2000 Budget, I had issued the following statement:

“There is nothing in law and constitution against the dissolution of Parliament in mid-session. However, it is scandalous and outrageous for the present Parliament to be dissolved in mid-session when there is no constitutional or political crisis, as Mahathir has a rock-like five-sixth parliamentary majority, for this would mean that the four weeks of parliamentary meeting since Oct. 18 and the public expenses incurred would go to waste, with Ministers avoiding accountability for two weeks of debate on the 2,000 budget.

“Such contempt for Parliamentary conventions and proprieties and insensitivity to public concerns about abuses of power and waste of public funds — and the dissolution of Parliament wasting four weeks of parliamentary meetings is the most recent example — is the result of political arrogance, irresponsibility and political hegemony of the Barisan Nasional after 42-year uninterrupted two-thirds parliamentary majority.”

If Parliament is dissolved this week or when it is in mid-session, the same critique of arrogance of power, utter contempt of Parliamentary conventions and proprieties and insensitivity to public concerns about waste of public funds would apply with even greater force to Abdullah.

There can be no excuse or redeeming justification for dissolving Parliament in mid-session when there is no constitutional or political crisis arising from the loss or expected loss of parliamentary majority for the government-of-the-day, although Mahathir had mitigating circumstances for his action which is completely absent for Abdullah.

In 1999, Mahathir was fighting for his political life in the wake of the revolt in the Malay heartland as a result of the Anwar Ibrahim reformasi campaign, and he was pressed to choose a timing for the 10th general election which was most advantageous for his political survival — in utter disregard of constitutional conventions and proprieties.

Is Abdullah fighting for his political life like Mahathir in 1999 when pondering on the timing for the 10th general election eight years ago?

As nobody would suggest that Abdullah is fighting for his political survival in the next general election after winning the unprecedented 91% of parliamentary seats in the last polls, his cynical and opportunistic emulation of one of Mahathir’s worst examples as Prime Minister, will be even more deplorable and inexcusable — as all the debate and expenses incurred in the current parliamentary meeting since August 27 would go down the drain.

If Abdullah could emulate Mahathir’s worst deeds at the very beginning of his premiership what Mahathir only did at the end of his premiership, and when totally without the mitigating though not redeeming circumstances facing Mahahtir, it must set off alarm bells that the real decision-makers of the Abdullah administration are probably the most opportunistic and power-crazy in the 50-year history of the nation – to whom the ends justified the means.

This does not bode well for the future of Malaysia.

  1. #1 by Libra2 on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 11:48 am

    Is Abdullah fighting for his political life?

    I think so. The Chinese are really fed up of him. I will give him a D for his performance. If he was in the private sector he will be demoted or sacked.
    The Malays will revolt after the anticipated and inevitable petrol price (said to be RM 2.50 per litre) hike next year. Toll on the NS Highway is also expected to go up on Jan 1. Gas price will go up. Which means every conceivable consumer good will go up.
    Regarding wasting public funds, well, the BN has no qualms about that as it in their culture to waste and fritter away the coffers.

  2. #2 by k1980 on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 12:24 pm

    Malaysia’s Suharto has shown the temerity of squandering billions on space tourists, so wasting further public expenses is of no concern to him, as long as his family could cling to power (and wealth)

  3. #3 by Jimm on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 12:30 pm

    AAB have no more worries about his political seat as he have let go most of it eversince EM left.
    From that point, we can easily noticed his reactions and decision over national issue are very ‘limited’.
    The reason of having JA is mainly to send messages to DPM over his publicities duties and role are mainly under control by T4 boys.
    I believe AAB’s plan when retired have been carefully drafted and once any changes in the political front, he will be replace and his freedom are guaranteed.
    Now, we should look at who will be sitting on that chair ?
    We all know that the current DPM have been eyeing that chair for the last 24 months with the help from his network and if not because of all those recent exposures of ‘his’ stories, things would have be taking off smoothly.
    Now, the coming UMNO GA will see the repeat of their yearly ‘talent time’ and ‘creativities’ of national issues and Ketuanan rights. These shows have become a MUST event to keep the grassroots ‘happy’ and ‘proud’ in order to continue winning their votes.
    So, more result will be clearly noticed during the GA show time.
    Lets wait and see.

  4. #4 by sean on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 12:45 pm

    Well for added info…i am preetty sure gas prices will go up sooner rather than later.My uncle famous char siew shop…were suppose to receive gas cylinder on saturday but the supplier have been delaying and even today(Monday) the supplier seems to be delaying etc etc.Lets hope my guess is wrong.

  5. #5 by Godfather on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 1:09 pm

    Even the 4th floor boys can’t prevent or delay the inevitable – rising food prices, fuel prices, toll rates, medicines, general healthcare. Drink prices and food prices at coffeeshops just went up on November 1st…and more is to come. The US is showing signs of recession, and will take the rest of the world with it….oil prices above US$95 per barrel….

    Delaying the elections will mean the risk of a greater backlash than having it prior to toll rate increases and petrol price increases. If I were the 4th floor boys, I’d insist on elections before December 31st.

  6. #6 by Jamesy on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 1:09 pm

    Will Abdullah dissolve Parliament in mid-session for polls? – Uncle Lim.

    ———————————————————-

    76% seems to answer WHO CARES on the opinion conducted.

  7. #7 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 1:33 pm

    Libra2 Says:
    November 5th, 2007 at 11: 48.53
    “Is Abdullah fighting for his political life?
    I think so. The Chinese are really fed up of him. I will give him a D for his performance.”

    Libra2, you are simply too kind & compassionate. I would if he were a schoolboy & this were just a small test/quiz. But PM is running a nation. He deserves what he scored. On my score card, he is an abject failure – F for failure. So bad, he is not allowed to re-sit!

    This means Pak Lah just has to hand the reins to someone else – no, no, no, not to Najib! God forbid. The only acceptable good for the country is BN loses and the reins of government is transferredd smoothly to PKR/DAP in 2007/2008, whichever date for GE.

  8. #8 by oknyua on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 1:37 pm

    YB Lim KS, our AAB needs nothing else to prove his incompetency. If election is held tomorrow, UMNO would still hold the majority but it means nothing in regard to the gross mismanagement of his government. The promises he made 4 years ago are still not fulfilled and this time around he would add more promises.

    He promosed a clean government. Result?
    He promised to wipe out corruption. Result?
    He promised no wastage. Result?
    He promise no mega projects. Result?
    He promised to be fair. Result?

    He does not understand his silence and incompetency serious hurt the weak.

    His inaction leaves the management of this country on autopilot. It’s worse than autopilot – his people are telling him only the good and juicy stories. His people shout all the rubbish and racist remarks in parliament. He takes no action.

    I am not surpised people answered “Who Cares?” because people are so fed up with AAB and his group. So this time around, lets hope for a better showing by the opposit…., I think the word opposition is incorrect. Why not.. the Alternative?

    Good luck YB Lim.

  9. #9 by k1980 on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 1:42 pm

    I hope Malaysia under the tenur of umno will not turn out to be like this:–

    Aru was sentenced to fifteen years of imprisonment in a high security prison for calling Dollah an idiot. Aru’s lawyer questioned the judge why such a harsh sentence was meted out as by the law the maximum term for a personal insult must not exceed six months. The judge said, “He’s sentenced not for a personal insult, but for revealing classified information under the OSA”

    Ah Seng applied for a vacant position but was denied the job.
    “This is just anti-Chinese,” he shouted.
    “Not at all. Why should we hire you as we know you’ll anyway emigrate very soon to Australia?”
    “But I have absolutely no intention to emigrate anywhere!”
    “Then all the more reason why we can’t hire you!”
    “Why, why?” gasped a flabbergasted Ah Seng.
    “We don’t need fools,” was the simple answer.

    At an estate MIC meeting, a party leader was telling the rubber-tappers about their bright future in the estates.
    “See, friends, after this five-year plan is completed, every family will have a separate apartment. And after the next five-year plan is completed, every worker will have a car! And after a few more five-year plans have been completed, every member will own an airplane!”
    From the audience, slow-witted Kayves asks, “What the hell one may need an airplane for in this estate?”
    “What, don’t you understand? Let’s say, there is a shortage in rice supplies in your estate. No problem! You take your own plane, fly to KL and buy rice!”

    A delegation of foreign visitors came to inspect a Malaysian orphanage. Before they came, the kids were instructed to answer every question by the visitors with just one sentence, “Yes, because in Malaysia everything is the best in the world!”
    The visitors came and asked their questions:
    “Children, do you like your orphanage?”
    “Yes, because in Malaysia everything is the best in the world!” the kids shouted.
    “And what about the food you get?”
    “Yes, because in Malaysia everything is the best in the world!”
    “Do you like your toys?”
    “Yes, because in Malaysia everything is the best in the world!”
    At that, the smallest boy in the group started crying.
    “Why are you crying? What happened?” asked the foreigners.
    “Waaah! I wa-a-a-nt to go to Malaysia now!”

  10. #10 by oknyua on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 2:57 pm

    YB Lim KS, the promises AAB made 4 yrs ago seemed like a breathe of fresh air compared to the excesses of our previous PM. Due to that I joined the millions that heaped praised to his clean image campaign. My shop was freqently used by campaign workers and I joined in the celebration as well.

    My shop prospered, because they (UMNO related guys) ordered the goods from me. Things became suspicious when their instruction was to “remove all the price tags.” Then they ordered huge quantity of goods, but after 3 days, requested to return 1/2. “Never mind, buy at half price also can towkay!”
    I told them I am a Christian and I would not participate in their schemes of things. “Jangan macam itulah towkay. Kita sudah kenal lama.” The small boys were doing this.

    The higher up boys ordered goods. I said: “Sir, I need a 50% deposit, and the balance upon delivery.” Two days later the goods were delivered and I requested full payment. I gave instruction to my drivers not to download anything without full payment. These up boys argued, until finally one came to the shop and shouted, “Apa awak tak percaya saya kah? Saya ini ketua pemuda UMNO cawangan….” He said it thumping his chest.

    The highest up boys? What do they do? Right from bottom to up, they are all the same. Corrupted to the core. The small boys mimick the higher boys. These boys mimick the very up boys. As they said, “Monkey see, monkey do.”

    My shop was flooded in August last year, because one of the UMNO guys who repaired the drainage had left a few pieces of plywood under the bridge. And this same UMNO guy lead a group of us making a complaint to the Drainage Department! When a PAS member told me about the truth and the “wayang” this UMNO guy did, I was very angry.

    But come to think of it, they are also doing the same “wayang” at national level. We are all cheated. My shop was flood with water. This nation is flooded with what?

    Sorry YB I need to post twice. But if any voter see this post, I hope they know whom to vote this election. Thank you.

  11. #11 by izrafeil on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 3:19 pm

    Uncle Lim,

    Some questions I need clarifications, if you have ready answers….

    How much are we producing crude oil for export? Sepcifically for every USD1 increase in crude oil price, how much more do we get in term of increased revenue (via direct production by state owned co – Petronas as well as taxes on supranationals such as from Shell, Exxon etc).

    Given the above, also how much more can the government give out subsidy without affecting nation competitiveness.

    Also, how much more is the world economy expected to contract and how is this going to affect export income?

    If the govt decide to download all the 70sen/litre increase in pump prices, how much more real wages will be suck from our monthly salary. [I am now paying approx RM300/mth on petrol prices, at +70 sen, I am looking paying RM410 (or add’n RM1,300/year)].

    Just wanting to know the facts first…. I think increase in pump prices is unavoidable given the current international prices, but knowing how much more we make from oil revenue helps in seeing the rationale / balance or irrational decision from AMENO led govt.

    Thanks

  12. #12 by Jimm on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 3:38 pm

    We are one of the oil producing country, however, we also have barther trade our comodities up-front at peg prices to get loans those days.
    We sold our natural gases at a super premium low price that have help to bring in FDI from Japan those days…
    Otherwise, why Kak Fidah can be so commanding in her ministry and seated there for so long ….
    This is Malaysia … level of corruption are always at the peak ..

  13. #13 by izrafeil on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 3:50 pm

    Yes, I remember that during the financial crisis (97/98) one bank in the City twisted our central bank arm giving loan with understanding for an opening of another branch then…..

  14. #14 by Godfather on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 3:58 pm

    PAS, PKR and DAP need only to harp on one thing during the next elections – BN stands for Barang Naik. No need to confuse issues like Judiciary, or Port Klang scandal or Istana Zakaria. Let these be local issues for the local assemblymen. Just concentrate on Barang Naik, and you will see how angry the general population is.

    It is all about the economy and the money in people’s pockets.

  15. #15 by Jeffrey on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 4:22 pm

    The problem is that by convention as I believe is still prevalent in common law countries, the Prime Minister is viewed as vested the discretionary prerogative of cherry picking when is the date most favourable to him or his party to dissolve parliament to pave the way for general election.

    Technically, by Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the personal discretion to agree or disagree with the Prime Minister’s decision for a premature dissolution of Parliament but would HRH?

    If one argues that the Agong could refuse dissolution, by what criteria he could follow to refuse? There are no set criteria. He still has to fall back on convention. There is no convention subsisting in common law jurisdictions – as far as I am aware – that provides that the Opposition’s allegations relating to contempt for Parliamentary conventions and proprieties and insensitivity to public concerns about abuses of power and waste of public funds are good grounds for the King to refuse the PM’s request for earlier Parliamentary dissolution.

    Once it is conceded that convention is to be followed and that it is convention to allow the PM to cherry pick at his prerogative and discretion the most appropriate time for dissolution of Parliament/election, then everything else will be over-ridden!

    A discretion implies that it might be exercised by the party vested it in an absolute and unfettered way.

    To abridge it by arguments that the discretion should be subject to parliamentary conventions of not stopping parliamentary sessions half way and wastage of funds or democratic fair-play to Opposition is to deny that neither such a convention nor the PM’s discretion within it exists, which I don’t think is asserted here directly or indirectly, isn’t it?

  16. #16 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 5:01 pm

    i just cant wait for the general election. period.

    lest we all can whine and whine. have you registered as a voter?
    may you vote with a clear and concise mind as to what a government is answerable and responsible for the citizens of the country.

    that the members of parliament and all state assemblymen are voted in by us ( the raayat ).

    that we dont condone corruption , regardlesss of who they are.

    that we dont need arrogant ministers and mps who careless about the raayat after they are voted in.

    that during campaign of election, they shake your dirty hands when we are in the market selling fish and chicken, but after voted in, we kiss their hands and let them walk on red carpet.

    we are born equal. if you want masters and , thou being slave. than YOU ASKED FOR IT.

  17. #17 by ihavesomethingtosay on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 5:16 pm

    in this amno meeting, abdullah will not only dissolves, but melt into his favourite armchair, with arm prop up his chin and slowly doze off into dollahland.

  18. #18 by AhPek on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 6:29 pm

    k1980,
    I hope you are not referring our Sleepy Head as Malaysia’s Suharto but if you are you are doing great injustice to Suharto for Suharto is a man who is decisive,has great control over what he intends to do and in short has what it takes to be a President of his nation.Never mind that he is corrupt but the fact is that Indonesia has never had it so good since wresting independence from the Dutch.Under him Indonesia enjoys a good degree of well-being,stability and order.
    On the other hand our Sleepy Head cannot decide,is controlled I believe and does nothing since becoming PM except mouthing homilies like ‘work with me and not for me.’, ‘We are not in the business of cheating people.’,’I am PM of all malaysians.’ etc etc ….
    Since his 4 years Malaysia has gotten worse in terms of racial and religious fanatism,corruption,fairness in treatment to all groups,law and order as well as the break-down of all institutions of this country!

  19. #19 by disapointed86 on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 6:40 pm

    having reading all this…i realise that i havent register as a voter…am i still eligible to register? hahaha… something that owes planted deep in my heart…”NEVER VOTE FOR UMNO/BN” for the rest of my life….going to register soon..if still eligible..

  20. #20 by dawsheng on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 7:34 pm

    “Will Abdullah dissolve Parliament in mid-session for polls?”

    Very likely, the sooner Abdullah call for a general election will be better for him, UMNO and BN. There are just too many shits hitting the fan right now, and the shit got bigger each time it hits the fan. Chinese has a saying that, when the night is longer, there will be more nightmares. Abdullah has no choice really.

  21. #21 by malaysiatoday.com on Monday, 5 November 2007 - 8:17 pm

    I have high expectation when Abduallh became PM as Mr. Clean, but the hope is totally burst now.

  22. #22 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 3:45 am

    “A discretion implies that it might be exercised by the party vested it in an absolute and unfettered way. ” Jeffrey QC

    Discretion still has to be justiciably exercised.

  23. #23 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 3:47 am

    Besides that, Jeffrey QC you got me all tied up in knots. You make do mental gymnastics. At my age it’s not that easy anymore.

  24. #24 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 3:48 am

    oooops missed the ‘me’

  25. #25 by negaraku123 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 3:59 am

    The government always laments on the fact that if we are not with them, we are against them. That we have no love for this country etc etc.
    Well i quote Edward Abbey in the fact that

    A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.

  26. #26 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 5:16 am

    “….arrogance of power, utter contempt of Parliamentary conventions and proprieties and insensitivity to public concerns about waste of public funds would apply with even greater force to Abdullah.” KIT

    Kit’s characterisation of the Abdullah Administration (if one could call it that instead of the more accurate ‘Abdullah Misadministration”) is too kind in view of the excesses exacted on Malaysians by UMNOristas, the flagrant abuse of power, the corruption etc. When did the BN run UMNO-dominated government care about the wastage of public funds? Over the last two decades this government has repeatedly treated public projects like cash cows. UMNO leaders put their hands to the teats of these cash cows almost at will (didn’t Kit warn that this site is for adults only and ‘viewer discretion’ is exercised?), followed by UMNOristas led by UMNO Youth leaders, the division chiefs etc and milked them dry!

    It is always good news to hear that Parliament is about to be dissolved. At least we are spared having to read about the antics of BN MPs and the embarassment they are causing to the country in the eyes of the world.

    Malaysians should take comfort in the fact at least that the country is not going in the way of Pakistan which suspended Parliament indefinitely. President Musharev is no longer a welcome visitor to the White House. Secretary Rice has been stomping and fuming about Musharev. President Bush was last seen tearing his hair out by the roots, and is reported to be have gone back to drinking and smoking weed! Abdullah Badawi is still welcome. However, he needs to find a new Jack Abramoff to donate that US$2.5 million to the presidential campaign. He is advised to bring suitcases full of used bank notes instead of issuing a check and then claiming that he thought he was buying Jeanne her Christmas gift! As they say they can fool some of us some of the time but not all of us all of the time.

  27. #27 by somaris on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 6:08 am

    YB.
    GOOD LUCK TO U IN GE..I PRAY THAT ALL MALAYSIAN WILL VOTE FOR U.
    All MALAYSIAN KICK MCA,MIC,PPP,GERAKAN BN OUT.THEY ARE FOR UMNO.WE WANT CHANGE FOR ALL MALAYSIAN..GO ALL OUT
    GOD BLESS MALAYSIA.

  28. #28 by somaris on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 6:08 am

    YB.
    GOOD LUCK TO U IN GE..I PRAY THAT ALL MALAYSIAN WILL VOTE FOR U.
    All MALAYSIAN KICK MCA,MIC,PPP,GERAKAN BN OUT.THEY ARE FOR UMNO.WE WANT CHANGE FOR ALL MALAYSIAN..GO ALL OUT
    GOD BLESS MALAYSIA.

  29. #29 by 4th_wife on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 7:44 am

    Good news to DAP, schools to have rocket clubs. YB hope you can make full use of this wounder idea!

    Rocket Clubs will be set up in schools to instil interest in aerospace and astrophysics, Umno Youth vice-chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.

    He said Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein was inspired to set up the clubs following the successful mission of the first Malaysian Angkasawan.

    Hishammuddin had called on Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Major Dr Faiz Khaleed to support the programmes.

    Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz were at the Putra World Trade Centre to share their experiences with Umno delegates.

    They also handed over the Jalur Gemilang, which Dr Sheikh Muszaphar brought to space, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

    Asked if Umno Youth would woo Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz to join the party, Khairy said the response from the duo had been encouraging.

    “We hope the two will develop political interest. We will take it from there,” he added.

    Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said the Umno assembly could be used as a platform to generate interest in science, technology and aerospace.

    “I have a greater responsibility now. I am willing to play an active role to instil interest in aerospace, especially among the younger generation,” said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, who also presented a slide show on his experiences in space.

  30. #30 by Bigjoe on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 8:27 am

    Waste of monies, proprieties? Is there an UMNO politician that care much for these things anymore? Even the liberals like Zaid Ibrahim understand there is a limit to care for these things in UMNO today.

    UMNO today was bred on one policy – the ends justify the means. This does not bode well for actual accountability and maintaining proprieties

    Take today speech by Najib, he spoke of ‘reaching for the stars’. How can someone of real proprietary talk about ‘reaching for the stars’ when the basis of their progress is based on discrimination and exploitation of their minority population especially the minorities that can reach for the stars on their own already if they were not denied their rights to education, their property, their own pension funds.

    So here is my question:’ What difference is there for someone to ‘reach for the stars’ on the exploitation of others, then say the rich white slave owners of the cotton fields of pre-American civil war?

  31. #31 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 8:31 am

    Let’s just dissolve Abdullah in the polls this coming GE. Then we won’t have to waste precious time talking about such trivia and their wastefulness in Malaysian politics.

    Down with BN once and for all.

  32. #32 by k1980 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 8:35 am

    Wow… such slow developers then have to enter Year 1 Primary school at age 61, enter Form 1 at age 67 and pass away before finishing Form 5! What a bloody waste…
    http://www.malaysia-today.net/nuc2006/letter.php?itemid=61
    Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said that the Malay brain requires 54 years to fully develop. To make sure that this will happen by 2057 the DPM has advised Malays to start focusing on two year olds as saviours of the race. In the meantime while waiting for these two year olds to reach 54 years, Najib says that all the tongkat policies will be maintained for the next 50 years at least until 2057…..

  33. #33 by bystander on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 9:25 am

    Yeah. DAP gets my full support to kick BN in the a–e.

  34. #34 by boh-liao on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 9:44 am

    Elections are not and will not be won in the cyberspace or through comments posted on blogs.

    The opposition parties have to convince voters to vote for them and to win votes under the current ‘clean and fair’ voting system.

    Talking about kicking some parties out is cheap talk. NATO only.

  35. #35 by Jeffrey on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 9:55 am

    “Discretion still has to be justiciably exercised” – right, in the courts, and I suppose whenever there is call even on governmental, bureaucratic and administrative authority to exercise it, except that I suspect in this particular case of discretion vested by convention in I suppose most common law jurisdictions in the PM to choose timing of when to dissolve parliament and to call election, is probably intended to give the incumbent the advantage on best timing and circumstances.

  36. #36 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 11:07 am

    Perhaps another way to look at the issue is to ask if the Agong could refuse the Prime Minister’s request for dissolution of Parliament so as to prepare for the elections as Jeffrey QC earlier implied.

    As Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, convention and precedent bar any refusal by the monarch to so dissolve Parliament when called upon to do so. Isn’t that well within the Agong’s Prerogative Powers? At least that’s the theory. As Malaysia is only a young ‘toddler’ taking her place in the community of nations only in 1957, there is not much of a convention and precedent we could fall on.

  37. #37 by Jeffrey on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 12:29 pm

    The Federal Constitution allows for earlier dissolution of parliament for election. By convention, the PM has preogative to cherry pick timing of this. I believe the convention is so in most common law jurisdictions. The quesion is whether we want to follow convention. If we don’t, then follow what? If we do follow convention, then what is to say about the PM’s choosing to dissolve parliament mid session for election, wastage, notwithstanding? That convention has been with us 50 years. I don’t believe anyone has raised the issue of jettisoning the Convention for compelling reason. Correct me if I were wrong.

  38. #38 by boh-liao on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 1:50 pm

    theStar, 6.11.07: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz were at the Putra World Trade Centre to share their experiences with Umno delegates.

    They also handed over the Jalur Gemilang, which Dr Sheikh Muszaphar brought to space, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

    -OMG, public money was wasted in sending a Malaysian into space and now Umno is milking the two for Umno’s political future and mileage.

    KJ, an unemployed guy but obviously a person who can decide national policies, said that rocket clubs will be set up in schools. Wow! Every school kid is going to know about rocket! DAP rocket?

  39. #39 by sotong on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 2:03 pm

    Political opportunist – they will expliot every event to their advantage.

  40. #40 by Toyol on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 2:14 pm

    In the STAR today, the ministers said the flag which the space tourists brought back belonged to UMNO! What happened to the rhetoric that it was Malaysia’s success in sending the tourist to space. Why must the flag belong to UMNO only…what about the rest of Malaysians? Only shows how bigoted these @#$%!^& really are.

    Yes, all schools must be taught the way of the rocket…go DAP!

  41. #41 by Godfather on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 2:17 pm

    Yup, send a rocket up UMNO’s a$$ at the next GE.

  42. #42 by voice on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 4:10 pm

    If you support BN, they take you as “Malaysian”, if you support “DAP”, they take you as “DAP” or “Opposition supporter” and publish in the media, that’s how they playing up with people’s mind, taking all opposition parties as “foreign power”.

  43. #43 by St0rmFury on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 5:10 pm

    And they’re even planning to buy the Soyuz spacecraft. For what?

    Russian spacecraft (used): $$$
    Transportation cost: $$$
    A site to display the spacecraft: $$$
    A grand ceremony: $$$

    The pride of Malaysians elevated a little more: Priceless

    How the Russians feel after convincing us to buy their trash: Hillarious!

  44. #44 by glokaltower on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 5:15 pm

    The election is about 1 year from now because badawi has no gut to call a election any sooner, he feels the heat and hoping the fire will go away by announcing all those special economic zones, a silly show of anti-corruption by sending some officials to court. He is totally indicisive and still dreaming that he is popular.

  45. #45 by uyatnej on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 5:30 pm

    Well I’m so excited the next GE will be soon,
    I hope DAP will do well in Penang, it will be very hard to win in Penang because some of the MCA members are very hard working like Lee Hack Teck and Lim Gim Soon, personally, I think they are doing OK, I hope DAP will work harder in order to win more seat in Penang. And I also hope that YB Lim and Guan Eng will contest in Penang. My vote of cause goes to DAP

  46. #46 by Malaysianborn on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 7:03 pm

    I think lately I’ve been challenged on my “don’t care” mentality. There more I don’t care, I realised that I actually care. I’ve been following the articles/ blogging of Mr KS Lim (sorry I don’t know the official title you hold, apologies for my ignorance) for the past month and trying to triangulate with other foreign news I get from the internet about the current issues in Malaysia. I’ve always been reading (and believing) the Malaysian media all this while until I was made aware of how media can be manipulated as a political tool (thanks to Business Ethics class). Well, I just have an opinion in which another gentleman had commented in another article in this website. Instead of looking, revealing, chipping, digging, or whatever words we can think of to exposed the flaws, problems, faults, corruption, incompetence, etc of the current government and our country’s leaders. I think we should start looking at the things we can do for the country. There is no point continuing with all these revelations of negative issues but at the end of the day nothing is being done to correct them. Some actions must be taken by those who can and care.

    But then again, having said that I may seem to be naive or wishful thinking. Things are also not going to get any better, if we just continue talking and looking after our own interest. Let’s face it, the society is now is driven and owned by materialism/ status/ wealth/ and power. These seem to be the important things in life, people have become selfish/ self centered, ruthless, cunning, and anything the mind can conceive. People can see the truth right before their eyes, but yet as long as it does not affect their interest, they do not care. Then there are those who complain, but never do anything or do not know what they can do. At the end of the day, we need solutions, not the revelations of more problems. I think as I began to write this response, I remember now what the gentleman said in his response, (my understanding in my own words) “it’s time for those who care (opposition political parties, Malaysians, and anyone who cares) to focus on solutions and telling people what can be done, or what you can do for your country; instead of telling them what the current government failed to do”.

    Everytime I see a government project I think of “who is this time that the government is going to make a millionaire”. I have tried to shed that thinking from my head, and I realised if I want to do something about it, it may be possible. I could work myself into the government, be hardworking and indispensable to just one government department and make some changes somewhere in the civil service. It may be stupidity to some, but there’s no fast way to change. If I can convince 5 people to think like me, individuals of the younger generation, to believe in integrity, and they in turn do the same as I did. It may just be a glimmer of hope. I always wanted to join the police force and do some good; my parents have always said that I might just get myself killed for being a good cop. But without trying to sound like an extremist, if that’s the price to bring positive changes, I would just do it.

    Well, I need to get back to my day job, that’s life I guess. I sit at my office desk; pour out my feelings and thoughts, and then what next? Nothing maybe or maybe if I just take a brave step. Maybe.

    I love Malaysia.

  47. #47 by undergrad2 on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 8:12 pm

    “By convention, the PM has preogative to cherry pick timing of this.” Jeffrey QC

    Cherry picking? Convention? Careful! Careful, there! You don’t want to incur the wrath of someone steeped in his conviction that what ills this society is the underdevelopment of “institutions” and everything is just posters “talking cock”!

    Careful, or else you be accused of flip flopping like our Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton – or worse like you don’t know what you’re talking about or accused of being “unable of holding three variables” of “talking cock” and “need to grow up” ASAP.

    Dissolution of Parliament to make way for elections – as opposed to disolution of Parliament because of an emergency – apparently has serious consequences. One is a matter of choice and timing and the other not. In both cases the MPs are no longer MPs since Parliament ceased to exist but the Ministers continue their work as Ministers. Bills before the House stop from being heard and will continue afresh when the new Parliament sits. It is important therefore, that Parliament is dissolved “for the purpose of making way for elections” and not for any other reason – like the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister both feel Christmas is just around the corner and it would be nice if they could take some time off and go shopping at The Harrods in London way ahead of the elections.

    Now for the $64 million question: Could the Agong withhold his consent in the latter situation when clearly there is an abuse of process??

    The short answer to that question in my opinion is “Yes”.

  48. #48 by ALtPJK on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 9:46 pm

    I have only been a recent reader and follower of this blog. Reading from afar and up from cyberspace it appears like there is a growing groundswell of public disgust at the government, BN and UMNO to the extent that if this were a reflection of the entire electorate, the outcome of the next GE might be like 1969 or perhaps even more damaging to the ruling coalition. But during my recent travel to Malaysia, I observed that this does not seem to be the case. Despite the increasing number of scandals and blatant bullying by BN, the opposition (OPP) faces greater obstacles in securing the vital 1/3 of the seats required to deny BN the freedom to carry out more rampaging acts. Unlike the conditions that existed pre-1969 GE and also due to worsening deterioration of ‘rakyat’ rights and institutions, I see the following as challenges the OPP faces.

    Absolute control of the media – blackout on OPP in all forms of media. With no more ‘public rallies’ the OPP is reduced to a mere word and thereby it is already being sentenced to fight with no arms, hands and legs or even mouth. Once Parliament is dissolved, then it’s all BN show. So a short campaign is sufficient to BN.

    Questionable independence of the EC – continuing delineation and lopsided sizes of constituencies is like continually changing the goalpost for the OPP.

    The seemingly unending NEP has created a class of fatcats with wads of cash patronising the ‘folks’ and can now easily offer the RM50 or maybe RM200 for the vote. It does not hurt the fatcats a wee bit.

    ” ” votes have always been an issue but I heard it is also growing worse. Many can recall some years back how Lee San Choon snatched the Seremban seat from Chen Man Hin thanks to the truckloads of ” ” voters who appeared and disappeared at the right moments. You know what I mean.

    The spectre of May13 – this has been consistently raised by BN at every GE (and they have the absolute right to remind the rakyat so) but is regarded as seditious if brought up by the OPP. Even worse, this spectre can also be made to grow into a ‘sneak preview’. Remember the so-called ‘looney’ Pvt who went a shooting rampage in KL so as to justify Ops Lalang? Everything is within BN’s powers.

    I really do hope the articulation and debates in this forum do percolate down to the general public so all rakyat are aware of the downward path they are heading if BN is given the 2/3 majority once more. I wish all the OPP candidates well and hope they do not split votes among each other. Inshaallah (pardon me if the spelling is not right) the outcome of the GE would be remisniscent of that in 1969 when UMNO, MCA, MIC were comprehensively trounced. This time round a few others might have to be trashed too.

  49. #49 by Tulip Crescent on Tuesday, 6 November 2007 - 11:10 pm

    When the election will be held is of no consequence.

    What is mighty clear is that the goose is cooked.

  50. #50 by boh-liao on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 10:49 am

    Wake up, wake up! Those thinking of a GE result like that of the 1969 GE, please stop dreaming and wake up.

    We are not going to have that kind of GE result. This is 2007 or will be soon 2008, far far from 1969. Things are so different. Just look at the percentages of Malays, Chinese, and Indians then and now. Also, back then, public rallies were allowed during a longer election campaign period.

    Since 1969, the incumbent BN has fine tuned the election process to its advantage and has control over all groups that have a direct influence in our lives – from the mass media, EC, to judiciary and others. BN also has the sole privilege to use May 13 all the time to threaten us. BN too has unlimited cash to win votes.

    So, please stop dreaming and face reality or nightmare!

    As some delegates in the ongoing Umno funfare declared: this is our house, if you are not happy with the nation’s policies, GO – ‘Go apply for citizenship in Singapore’! Good riddance!

  51. #51 by AhPek on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 8:21 pm

    If I may qoute you once again and supply you with the actual figures so that you can work out in your own sweet time that even wresting slightly more than one third parlimentary seats ie 74 seats to deny two thirds majority for the governing party is well nigh impossible simply because the Electoral Commission has stacked unsurmountable odds for the opposition to overcome.Now the figures to help you figure it out.
    (1) Total parlimentary seats : 219

    (2) Slightly more than one third parlimentary seats : 74seats

    (3) 2004 GE results …..(a) BN won 64% popular vote.

    (b) translated into parlimentary seats: 91% of parlimentary seats which is equal to 199 seats.

    With this information, work out in your own sweet time just how opposition can wrest 74seats??

  52. #52 by AhPek on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 8:31 pm

    “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.”. Negaraku123.
    Thank you negaraku123 and I honestly think this is the hour Malaysia is issuing a claren call for all patriots to stand by he to rid this country of all the scumbags!

    ‘Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.’. Henry David Thoreau

    ” All great truths begin on blashemies.”. George Bernard Shaw.

  53. #53 by AhPek on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 8:33 pm

    correction ” ………………………malaysia is issuing a claren call for all patriots to stand by her to rid ….scumbags.”

  54. #54 by AhPek on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 8:35 pm

    correction-“All great truths begin on blasphemies.” George Bernard Shaw

  55. #55 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 7 November 2007 - 10:12 pm

    The winds seem to be blowing in the direction of the GE. Let’s show these people what “PEOPLE POWER” mean!!!

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