Tunku Aziz agrees that PM must be Muslim
(The Star) – Former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Aziz Ibrahim has questioned Pakatan Rakyat’s ability to lead the country. “They can’t even agree on a shadow Cabinet. That is the point, that should they win and all turn up in Putrajaya, they will be looking around at each other on who is going to occupy what post,” he told reporters at a press conference at his home in Sri Damansara here Monday.
He said the country would be in a dire situation as they squabbled over who would lead the country and the appointments of key Cabinet posts.
“When you move into Putrajaya, you (Pakatan) will be hitting the ground running and the country cannot wait while you are quarrelling amongst yourselves,” he added.
Tunku, who announced his resignation from the DAP on May 14 following his stance against illegal street demonstrations, was responding to DAP chairman Karpal Singh‘s statement that a non-Malay could become Prime Minister while PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat insisted the post must be held by a Muslim irrespective of race.
Although agreeing with Karpal’s interpretation of the Constitution over the appointment of the Prime Minister, Tunku noted that it must be done in accordance to convention and customs.
“He (Karpal) is absolutely right but we have also to consider convention and practices and we just canot ignore this,” he said.
As Malaysia has always had a Muslim as its Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he said it was only apt that his first Minister was able to discharge his duties and functions in accordance with the requirements of the religion.
He also reiterated his stance on Bersih 3.0 rally, stating that he was not against free and fair elections but merely the manner in which it was to be achieved.
However, he said he had to draw the line when there were indications that the intention of the rally was to occupy Dataran Merdeka, thus breaching the law.
Tunku expressed disappointment at DAP for spinning and demonising facts with regards to his stance on electoral reforms and his opposition of achieving it at the expense of the law and harmony of Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.
“The behavior of DAP’s storm troopers on the blogs is reminiscent of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union under Stalin with its unbridled renunciation of dissidents,” he said.
However, Tunku said his conscience was clear with regard to his stance, adding that he drew strength from support received from family, friends and even a senior DAP exco from Penang and 14 other party members who came to see him personally.
