Ah… Election Time..
When I published the earlier post, it slipped my mind that Malaysia, too, have caught the election fever. On February 13th, 2008, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced at a press conference that the 11th Parliament of Malaysia was dissolved. By virtue of Article 45(3) of the Federal Constitution, the dissolution of Parliament affects only the House of Representative (Dewan Rakyat). Emulating the Westminster system practiced in the United Kingdom.
The Stakes
Two hundred and twenty two seats are up for grabs at the Federal level. Twelve states of the Federation, except Sarawak, have also dissolved their respective State Legislative Assemblies. Besides the Parliamentary seats, the total State seats up for grab are 505.
Constitutional Procedure
Before I move on, I’d like to make a comment on the Prime Minister’s claim that he would only know of the date of dissolution after Royal Audience with the Yang DiPertuan Agong (King). Applying basic Constitutional Law knowledge, the Yang DiPertuan Agong is empowered to prorogue or dissolve Parliament (Article 55(2)). This provision cannot be read on its own. Literally, it would allow the Yang DiPertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament anytime for any reason. This would certainly cause an absurd result! The power to dissolve Parliament is a function established and endowed upon the King by the Federal Constitution. The Federal Constitution, by virtue of Article 40(1), imposes on the Yang DiPertuan Agong the obligation to act “in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet”. As far as the dissolution of Parliament is concerned, the Yang DiPertuan Agong can, in his discretion, withhold consent to dissolution (Art. 40(2)(b)). Like the Queen in the United Kingdom, no Yang DiPertuan Agong has ever (on the record) withhold his consent since Merdeka. Applying the law (bluntly), the Prime Minister (as head of the government) is the Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet. He advised the Yang DiPertuan Agong on the dissolution of Parliament - which includes all the related details. The latter’s Assent is 99% certain. Thus, it is almost impossible for the Prime Minister to be unsure. Merely my humble opinion.
And I’m A Registered Voter…
In December 2007, I returned to Betong with my Mother to update my Identity Card (MyKad). I took the opportunity to go register as a voter as well. I didn’t expect to be on the rolls until 3-6 months after. I read somewhere that the cut off date was mid 2007.
So a few moments ago I did a check with the SPR to discover my status. Fortunately, I’m on the electoral role and registered at Betong Bazaar. This locality is in the boundaries of P.204 Betong and N.31 Layar. The bad news: I’m going to join the absent voter statistic. Why? Can’t afford the cost to travel all the way back to Betong. That and the fact that it’s done in the middle of the semester. I’ll be sure to be casting my vote in the next State Election, though.
Looking Forward to the Results
I’m looking forward to the election results. I’d like to see a more diverse Dewan Rakyat. More minorities and more women perhaps? Even better, more younger MPs. “Young” as in 21-40 years old. We’re promised a surprise, I hope we’ll see it.
Leaving you with a “Happy Voting! Happy Campaigning!”
