Muhyiddin calls for institutional reforms to limit PM’s power

Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was suspended from Umno yesterday, has pledged to continue championing institutional reforms and upholding the truth. He said institutional reforms must be more holistic as it was not enough to have the prime minister removed from office. Muhyiddin also said failed political institutions must be rejected to fulfil the aspirations of the people. "The Attorney-General's Chambers, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia and the police must all be left to perform their functions without anybody's interference. "The roles as stated in the constitution must be strengthened and upheld," he said on his Facebook page following his suspension last night. Muhyiddin said the power of the prime minister to advise the Agong on the appointments of heads of those government agencies must be limited so the officers can conduct their responsibilities independently and transparently. Citing the appointment and removal of the attorney-general (A-G) as an example, he said under the constitution, the Agong acted on the advice of the prime minister, so whoever the prime minister was would be able to escape criminal prosecution just by advising the Agong to remove the A-G. "This is not something fair. In fact, the prime minister becomes someone so powerful and invincible before the law. "He can commit any crime and escape punishment. This is unfair and is against the principle that all men are equal before the law." He said the "black episode" in the country had made Malaysians more mature and if the people wanted to see the nation respected again with its citizens leading happier lives, everyone must stand up to demand a change. "Cast aside racial, religious and ideological sentiments to form a consensus that will lead towards a government that is fair, trustworthy and with integrity," he said. Muhyiddin was suspended as an Umno member at the party's Supreme Council meeting yesterday. The move capped a week in which several party leaders spoke out  against him, calling for his removal over his criticism of Najib regarding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion donation. He became estranged from Najib last year and was removed as deputy prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle in July. He remained Umno deputy president until yesterday but at the party's general assembly in December was blocked from speaking to delegates. – February 27, 2016.]]>