Define scope, function and jurisdiction of CEP, says MCA

PETALING JAYA: MCA is in support of good governance when it comes to the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) but is concerned with issues surrounding its formation, said Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

Ti, who is the party’s Religious Harmony Bureau chairman, said the constitutionality, legality and authority of the CEP must be explained or defined.

“No doubt, we are setting a precedent for the Council of Elders. Will this be a step towards recognising the PAS Council of Elders that will determine the policies of the country superseding the Cabinet or the executives?” he said in a statement Sunday.

Ti questioned if the stage is being set for political councils to assume or hijack powers of the Cabinet or institutions outlined by the Constitution.

“Although the intentions of the Council is altruistic and the members are eminent but will the scope of the Councils be only to assist the newly elected Pakatan government to implement and deliver their 100 days promise?” he asked.

As the CEP is not provided in the Constitution, Ti asked if the Council will wield more power or authority than “less eminent” personalities in the future.

“Unlike the members of the Cabinet who will be answerable to the rakyat in the election, who are the members of the Council answerable or accountable to?” he said.

Despite its feel-good factor and agreement to the advisory role of the council, Ti said MCA is still worried that the non-constitutional institution will be a precedent that will eventually metamorphosis into the Council of Elders proposed by PAS, whereby the Majlis Syura has the ultimate say with unlimited and unchecked powers overruling the Cabinet and the Parliament.

“In a way, we have reformed the old players and changed old leaders to new,” he added.

However, Ti said that if Pakatan Harapan is now doing “well and good for the people”, MCA will continue to support all good efforts, policies and governance despite being in the Opposition.

“MCA despite suffering heavy losses will continue to exist and function as a rakyat-friendly party. We are still the best educational, welfare and social political party on record,” he said.

He added that the party’s public services and complaints bureau is top of mind for members of the public with personal woes.