Ministers opposing PM guilty of insubordination, says PAS sec-gen

PETALING JAYA: Ministers who do not agree with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must resign immediately as it is "insubordination", says PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

"According to Article 43(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution, a Cabinet minister is appointed by the Yang Di-pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.

"Therefore, the Cabinet minister cannot have a different opinion from the Prime Minister on the country's policies, as decided by the government.

"Differing from the Premier is against ministerial responsibility and is an insubordination.

"PAS urges any Cabinet minister, who is not in line with the Prime Minister to resign, as such an act will cause chaos and destabilise the country. The effect will burden the people.

"If the Prime Minister finds any Cabinet minister opposing the policies which have been passed, PAS urges the Prime Minister to advise the King to revoke the appointment of the said Cabinet minister, " said Takiyuddin in a statement on Friday (Aug 16).

In recent weeks, there has been much public opposition from within the Pakatan Harapan Cabinet against some of the decisions made by Dr Mahathir.

The main issues were the teaching of Jawi in primary schools and the issue of Indian citizen preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who questioned the loyalty of Malaysians.