To Cross or Not to Cross?
The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) wishes to urge all Christians to pray for the nation in these challenging times, especially for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of this nation in dealing with the current political and economic uncertainties.
The hype which has been generated about the change of government on 16 September 2008, has given rise to much debate and airing of views on the propriety and morality of a Member of Parliament (MP) crossing over from the political party under whose banner he or she was elected to join another political party or to remain independent of any political coalition. One view is that using the backdoor to form the government is not credible and an undignified way of creating government authority. However, one can argue that Article 48(6) of the Federal Constitution which provides that a MP who resigns is disqualified for a period of 5 years from standing for elections as MP, prevents the MP from resigning based on principles and continuing to fulfil his role as a representative of the people. Therefore the option the MP is left with is to cross over to another political party under which he or she believes he or she will be able to carry out the mandate of the people who have elected him or her into office.
Evaluation of the appropriateness of a MP’s decision to “cross over” could only be meaningfully made if all contextual matters are taken into consideration. It may be worth noting in this regard that historically cross over of MPs and State Assembly men is not something new to this nation. In a vibrant society, diverse and differing views are only to be expected as people will always speak and act according to their conscience, values and beliefs.
As an organisation, NECF is non partisan. Notwithstanding the fluidity of the circumstances, the focus of NECF must remain on nation building and the well being of the people of Malaysia must remain the priority.
Rev Eu Hong Seng
NECF Chairman
20 Sept 2008 |
