KOTA KINABALU – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin insists for the decision to dissolve Parliament should also consider the opinions of the Cabinet.
He said the matter was stated in the Constitution which said that the Prime Minister might advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to dissolve Parliament after discussions with the Cabinet.
"People say no need (because) it used to be unnecessary (to discuss in the Cabinet).
"It used to be unnecessary because there was only one dominant party, Barisan Nasional (BN), now there are many parties in the government.
"So he (the Prime Minister) has to consider the Cabinet before making a decision because it's in the Constitution.
"Some people say that cannot happen because the Prime Minister is in power, he can just fire everyone for him to make a decision.
"It's okay, let him fire ministers from his party, which means he lost the majority.
"If he has lost the majority, he can no longer advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he can only request," he said.
He said this in a press conference when asked by reporters about Bersatu's stance on Umno's top leadership who wanted elections to be held this year.
Hamzah however said the decision was also up to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to determine the dissolution of Parliament.
"So, (they) must think properly. Sometimes, Umno does not think long-term, this is the problem.
"That's why I think that everything we do must prioritise the interest and benefit of the people.
"So let the people understand which of us has prudence according to the rukun negara because we want the people to be put first, this country is where we determine the purpose and goal of our vision," he said.
Prior to that, Hamzah who is also the Home Minister attended the Townhall Programme ‘Kita Demi Negara’ for Sabah Zone held at the Likas Sports Complex, here.