DAP urged not to pressure PM, respect channels or resign - Analyst

A constitutional expert has cautioned that the Democratic Action Party's (DAP) demand for the government to fulfill its reform promises within four months could inadvertently pressure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and potentially ensnare the party itself. Professor Madya Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain from ISTAC-Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia stated that the principle of collective responsibility does not justify open defiance or criticism of the Prime Minister by cabinet members.

Wan Ahmad Fauzi emphasized that any dissenting views should be channeled through the proper internal mechanisms, such as cabinet meetings. "If any minister disagrees with the Prime Minister, they can record their objections and a motion of no confidence in the meeting minutes," he explained. "If a minister cannot respect these norms and principles, they are better off resigning."

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If any minister disagrees with the Prime Minister, they can record their objections and a motion of no confidence in the meeting minutes. If a minister cannot respect these norms and principles, they are better off resigning.

This advice comes as the DAP, which holds 40 out of 150 parliamentary seats in the ruling coalition and has five ministers and seven deputy ministers, urged Anwar to expedite key institutional reforms by December 2026. DAP Chairman Gobind Singh Deo specifically called for the separation of the Attorney General and public prosecutor roles, a two-term limit for the prime ministership, and equitable allocation of development funds for constituencies.

Wan Ahmad Fauzi further argued that internal disagreements within the cabinet could undermine the administration's image of stability and place undue pressure on the Prime Minister. "Ministers represent the government's interests and are bound by the principle of constitutional supremacy," he said. "They need to differentiate between party agendas and the government's duty to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution. Differences and criticisms can exist, but they must be managed through the correct channels."

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Ministers represent the government's interests and are bound by the principle of constitutional supremacy. They need to differentiate between party agendas and the government's duty to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution. Differences and criticisms can exist, but they must be managed through the correct channels.