KUALA LUMPUR: Any outcome from the six state elections on Saturday will not bring about any changes to the federal government according to the law, even if the PH-BN coalition experiences a defeat.
Constitutional expert, Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain stated that this is because it only involves the election of state legislative assembly (DUN) members.
He mentioned that a change in the federal government would only occur if a vote of no confidence against the prime minister is held by members of parliament, with support either individually or from coalition members of the unity government.
"Legally speaking, it will not happen and any claims made during campaigning would only confuse the public.
"It's better to give the unity government a chance to govern until the end of their term, as every member of parliament has sworn their oath of office as outlined in Schedule Six of the constitution.
"As long as the PM and his cabinet do not violate the constitution, let's support them on principle and cooperate, and oppose decisions of the government that lead to detriment.
"Why should we overthrow the existing government that has been legitimately appointed? Instead, we should act as a check and balance and provide input to solve the people's problems even without being in power," he told Berita Harian today.
Yesterday, Berita Harian reported that Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief information officer, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali stated that there is a strong possibility of a change in government if PN manages to retain three states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah) and capture three other states.
Wan Ahmad Fauzi stated that every representative, whether at the parliamentary or state assembly level, should act as a representative of the people rather than a representative of their respective parties.
He mentioned that there is no issue in having a different party in control of the state government and the federal government as long as all parties adhere to religious teachings as a guiding principle that encourages cooperation in fulfilling their responsibilities.
"In fact, having a difference between the state and federal governments has its advantages, as the state government can oversee parliament, considering there are laws that require the approval of the Conference of Rulers, who in certain matters act on the advice of the executive, namely the Menteri Besar and his Exco.
"If all states are dominated by the same party that is in control at the federal level, it's possible that the function of the Conference of Rulers in exercising its powers under Article 159(5) may become less effective.
"So, with opposition parties governing the state governments, there will be more balance," he concluded.
