Pakatan betrayed democracy in MB saga, says Selangor group
(The Malaysian Insider) – A non-governmental organisation, Kembali Selangorku, today criticised Pakatan Rakyat for deserting its democratic principles by switching its support from Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to Mohamed Azmin Ali for the post of menteri besar.
In a statement, the pro-democracy group expressed its disappointment with Pakatan for giving its silent endorsement to the intervention of the Sultan of Selangor in the appointment of the menteri besar.
“Many people in Selangor are disappointed with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had initially stood by the state constitution before agreeing to the sultan’s decision.
“Instead of giving in to the Selangor palace, Pakatan Rakyat should have taken the matter to court, similar to what happened during the Perak crisis in 2009.
“Pakatan Rakyat should have sought judicial clarification of the Selangor constitution and democratic principles instead of giving up responsibility and disregarding the people’s mandate.”
Kembali Selangorku said the menteri besar saga had exposed the shortcomings of the democratic system in the state, and highlighted the urgent need for reforms.
“We urge the Selangor government to implement reforms to prevent a reoccurrence of the constitutional crisis and regression of democracy.”
Kembali Selangorku said among the reforms which should be introduced were democratising the Selangor constitution and amending unreasonable clauses.
“These unreasonable clauses disallow the ruling party from convening an assembly meeting.
“The state Speaker should convene an assembly meeting if it is requested by the majority members of the state assembly,” it said.
