READY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS: Najib arriving to attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting. — Bernama photo
THE government will not take any action against any group using the word ‘rakyat’ merely to voice their objection against the results of the 13th general election (GE13), said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Prime Minister also said that the government was not afraid of the expression ‘Malaysian Spring’ used by the groups purportedly to demonstrate the efforts used to topple the government through street protests.
Najib, however, said that the government would give space for such demonstrations as long as they did not breach the law as provided for in the Federal Constitution.
“If the action taken exceeds the boundary of the Federal Constitution, the government will not hesitate to take action so that national sovereignty continues to be respected,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad (BN-Mersing) at the Dewan Rakyat sitting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Abdul Latiff wanted to know the government’s view on the use of the word ‘Rakyat’ used to express dissatisfaction on the results of GE13 and the attempts to create the ‘Malaysian Spring’ in the first question raised at the Parliament sitting.
The same question was raised by Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).
Elaborating, Najib said any attempt to overthrow the government through street demonstrations and riots would not bring any good to Malaysia.
“In fact if observed and analysed, countries that are in a state of unrest cannot achieve anything positive. The economy and politics in these countries are ruined as a result of fighting and there is no assurance that it could be restored to its former position,” he said.
Earlier, Najib said differing views need not lead to cataclysm and disunity, on the other hand if handled and addressed appropriately, it could bring blessings and happiness to the people and development to the country.
The government, he said, acknowledged the maturity and prudence of the people and thus gave them the right to choose the country’s leadership through the ballot box, which was the best approach that could be practised by any country.
“What is ironic though, is that those who are vociferous on injustice accepted the results in the areas they won,” he said.
Replying to an additional question from Abdul Latiff, he said the government had no plans to make it compulsory for the people to vote.
Nevertheless, he said, the government did not dismiss the idea of automatic voters registration.
“Any law, if favourable, should be first studied, whether or not it can be practically enforced,” he said. — Bernama