KUCHING: Following his resignation as prime minister and then his appointment as interim premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has received some praises.
“I applaud him for being accountable and responsible,” said a committee member of Advocates Association of Sarawak Kuching branch Dayangku Sa’adiah Pengiran Datuk Seri Hipni.
“It was an honourable decision and act to resign from his lofty position and it will be interesting to see what shall ensue.”
She pointed out that he did walk the talk after he was appointed prime minister after obtaining the support of the majority of members of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat).
When Dr Mahathir’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) announced its departure from Pakatan Harapan (PH), it took out 26 MPs, while 11 MPs from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) also quit.
“Hence, PH lost the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat members. As such, by virtue of Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution, the prime minister shall tender his resignation and that of his Cabinet.
“The move was brilliant. It causes each and every MP to put the interest of the people first when they get asked who they support as the new prime minister. The eyes of the people and parts of the world are their next move,” she said.
She added that the Agong cannot dissolve the Parliament because he can only do so upon the request of the prime minister. The top post, however, is now vacant.
