BESIDES providing political leadership for the coalition in the Government, what exactly is the function of the Cabinet? And how does it affect the future of our nation?
Firstly, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia – the supreme law of the land – is structured to give effect to the doctrine of separation of powers among the country’s legislative, judicial and executive authorities.
Executive authority is vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and exercised by a Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister. However, the power conferred upon the King is nominal by virtue of his office as a Supreme Head of the Federation. To exercise any of his functions, the King is required by Article 40 (1) to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet except in three matters: the appointment of a Prime Minister, the dissolution of Parliament and the calling of a meeting of the Conference of Rulers where the sole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the privileges, position, honours and dignities of the rulers.
The Cabinet is handpicked by the Prime Minister from among the members of both Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat, and has to appear united as a collective government in the form of an executive committee. Each individual Cabinet member is held accountable to all joint decisions made by the Cabinet as a whole.
While it is constitutionally an advisory body, the Cabinet is the highest co-ordinating executive body of all government activities and interests. Many of the most important decisions are made here, for example the decision to increase or reduce expenditure on education. Its role is significant in the day-to-day running of the government, that is, to make and implement policies, to improve the quality of public service, and to manage a civil service to carry out the day-to-day government business.
The Cabinet is also responsible for proposing legislation of bills to meet the needs of public and current concerns. The members then organise opinion and vote to turn the bill into an Act. It is also the Cabinet’s role to discuss any unforeseen major issues – such as the recent bird flu or SARs outbreaks – which then leads to setting up of commissions to research and suggest solutions to the issues.
Another important function of the Cabinet is to co-ordinate and control the work of government departments, and each Cabinet minister usually controls a department. For example, the department of health is overseen by the Ministry of Health headed by Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Today, we have a national leader – Dato’ Seri Abdullah Badawi – who calls for partnership in developing the country and believes in the practice of genuine power sharing. His clarion call, “Work with me and not for me” has endeared him to the public and earned the devotion of his colleagues.
Under the new leadership of a prime minister who promotes the servant-leader style and recognises the significance of teamwork, the Cabinet may be able to perform its function more effectively for national interests.
As long as the Cabinet exists and continues to fuse the executive and legislative, it remains a very powerful aspect of the government. Therefore it is important for Christians to recognise the role and responsibilities of the Cabinet ministers, and pray for them, for we know that “the plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD” (Prov. 16:1, NASB). As they make decision on any policy or law, pray that God will direct their steps (16:9).
May we suggest that you use Proverb 16 to intercede for the Cabinet members:
- That they will have the fear of God in them.
- That they discard personal agenda, keep away from bribery and immorality.
- That there be impartiality in law making, and just and wise execution of government policies.
- For effective partnership that places national interests as priority.
- For humility and willingness to seek godly counsel.
- And lastly, for Cabinet members who are Christians to be salt and light to their colleagues.
Log on http://www.kabinet.jpm.my/umum/anggota.htm for a full list of Cabinet ministers and their portfolios. – By Lim Siew Foong, NECF Research Executive |
