LETTERS: "Collective responsibility" is a convention in Westminster-style systems, like in Malaysia, where important policy decisions are not made individually but collectively, usually at the cabinet level.
It gained attention when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa disclosed that the Pardons Board's decision to halve former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's jail sentence and reduce his fine was made collectively.
For the laymen, this means that the board, chaired by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, reached a consensus on the decision.
It's important to remember that the board's decision wasn't made by Dr Zaliha alone, nor by the former king or any other members. Therefore, it would be unfair to blame any board member, or ask for their resignation.
Some may disagree with Najib's clemency. It is a divisive issue, and one that has strained relations between parties in the unity government.
But we should not forget that collective responsibility is the bedrock of our democratic system. It has been responsible for ensuring that there are no conflicts between the country's communal groups, save for the 1969 riots.
The element of give and take inherent in collective responsibility has enhanced political stability since Independence, and has promoted inclusivity and equal participation in nation-building.
The same principles were in place during the Pardons Board meeting over Najib's issue. Surely, the board, bestowed with the wisdom of the former king, had considered multiple factors, including the long-term interests of the country, before arriving at the decision.
Whether one agrees with it or not, one should always honour and respect the principle of collective responsibility, which has withstood the test of time in ensuring the wellbeing of this nation.
TUAN NAZURI TUAN ABD HILMI
Selayang, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
