By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 26: Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah supports the notion that a law to allow referendums should be enacted to give voice to the people.
Abdul Karim believes that when important issues are concerned, the decision of MPs is not enough to reflect what the people’s desire or decision.
“Personally, I feel it might be good to have a referendum law as that would give opportunity to citizens to decide on a subject matter, which is important to the nation.
“MPs are just representative of a certain parliamentary constituency and they should not be allowed to vote on behalf of the rakyat over matters which are of utmost important,” Abdul Karim told DayakDaily.
He strengthened his argument by adding that the decisions of MPs of any party are subject to that of the party whip.
“MPs are also subject to party whip when they vote in Parliament,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, also urged the federal government not to worry about introduction of referendum to Malaysia law system as it will only be evoked in utmost important matter such as secession.
“Referendum needs not be feared by any government.”
“It is an avenue to gauge the rakyat’s stand and need not necessarily be used. It will only be used when a state or region want to seek independence or secession.”
Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had brought up the issue of the necessity of enacting a referendum law.
In a forum entitled “Referendum – Facts and Legal Implications” organised by Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) held on Tuesday evening, Wan Junaidi said the federal government should enact a law to allow referendums to be held in order to give citizens their say on major issues that affects them.
