20 May 2018

Press statement by MCA Publicity Spokesperson and Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker

Council of Elders - Scope, Function & Jurisdiction

It is interesting that the Pakatan Government have appointed a Council of Elders formerly known as a Team of Eminent Persons. In all honesty this has bode well with the public who is still in euphoria after the first ever change of government in our Malaysian history since independence. It is a case of the will of the Rakyat have prevailed over the power of political masters. UMNO should now realised that the “Ketuanan Melayu” years are over. It is now “Ketuanan Rakyat”. Ironically it is really “Ketuanan Mahathir” for the next two years at least, the very regime that the “Reformasi” movement wanted to removed. As they have said, this is a case of if you can’t beat them, join them. In this case it is either the “Reformasi” movement had joined Tun Dr.Mahathir or vice-versa depending on which side of the coin you want to see.

Coming back to the Council of Elders. MCA is in support of any good or better governance. If Pakatan is now doing well and good for the people, MCA despite being in the opposition will continue to support all good efforts, policies and governance.

MCA despite suffering heavy losses will continue to exist and function as a Rakyat friendly party. We are still the best educational, welfare and social political party on record. We have had educational institutions and programs, 1MCA Medical assistance, insurance scheme for bereavement, assistance for elders and young mothers etc. Most of all the public having personal woes or complains will think of our public services and complain bureau first.

MCA’s immediate concern is the issues surrounding the formation of this Council of Elders. Firstly the constitutionality, legality and authority of this Council must be explained or defined. No doubt we are setting a precedent for the Council of Elders. Will this be a step towards recognising PAS Council of Elders that will determine the policies of the country superseding the Cabinet or the executives? Are we setting a stage for political Councils (in whatever name) to assume or hijack powers of the Cabinet or institutions outlined by the Constitution?

Although the intentions of the Council is altruistic and the members are eminent but will the scope of the Councils be only to assist the newly elected Pakatan government to implement and deliver their 100 days promise.

Since the Council of Elders is not provided in the Constitution, will this Council wield more power or authority in “less eminent” personalities in the future?

Unlike the members of the Cabinet who will be answerable to the Rakyat in the election, who are the members of the Council answerable or accountable to?

Despite the “feel good factor” and agreeing to the advisory role of the Council, we are still worried that this non-constitutional institution will be a precedent that eventually will metamorphosis into the Council of Elders proposed by PAS whereby the Majlis Syura have the ultimate say with unlimited and unchecked powers overruling the Cabinet and the Parliament.

In a way we have reformed the old players and changed old leaders to new.

Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker
MCA Spokesman
Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman

- MCA Online -