Written by: Averroes
(1.0) Introduction
Recently, our former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad mooted at Istana Negara that there should be the Majlis Gerakan Rakyat (MAGERAN). For most of us, we must have heard of this acronym in our history textbooks.
This all came about when leaders of political parties met the YDPA to express their views on the current state of affairs, including healthcare, social issues and the economy, with him as one of the attendees.
He clarified that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) has the power to form the National Operations Council, (the English translation of MAGERAN), if his majesty is dissatisfied with the current administration's competency.
Though, he defended that it was never intended to dismantle or transition into a different government. He further states that during an emergency, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong has superfluous powers to decide and determine the destiny of our country, executively speaking.
Lastly, if the idea of MAGERAN did come into fruition, the former Prime Minister volunteered to be one of the members, as he states that he had 22 years, 22 months experience of governing our country. All he dreams is to guide and develop our nation, not for personal reasons.
(1.1) MAGERAN who's that, what's that?
MAGERAN was established on 16th May 1969 at the time our country was in political and racial turmoil. A state of emergency was also declared, resulting in the suspension of our parliament.
On a legal standpoint, he even added that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong has certain prerogatives, including rejecting advice of the Prime Minister to declare an emergency. MAGERAN was a caretaker government that operated until their dissolution in 1971 to restore public order.
Each of the members were given portfolios, similar to a normal Cabinet.
MAGERAN consisted of 14 members, which was lead by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak who became the Director of Operations. On the side note, Prime Minster at the time, Tunku Abdul Rahman was the central figure in consulting MAGERAN.
According to social activist, Chandra Muzaffar, Tunku Abdul Rahman opted to be excluded from MAGERAN and appointed his deputy, Tun Abdul Razak as the director. Tunku wanted someone who could give all his attention to this and Razak was much younger.
He further added that it is not necessary to have MAGERAN, since the old council was targeted for a different purpose as of today. Currently, we are fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic, not racial discord or economic disparities.
Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Siew Sin and Tun V.T Sambanathan and others were also involved in MAGERAN. The country had just gone through a general election, no Cabinet was form. Thus several of Tunku's previous Cabinet were appointed to MAGERAN.
(1.2) Contribution of MAGERAN
Though, despite criticisms from our current generation, it did shape the fundamentals of our country that we know today. However, others may still believe on the contrary. it depends individually on how we perceive the success rate of MAGERAN and its achievements.
Historians from the National Archives surmised that this council served its purpose to restore harmony, tranquility and the rule of law, while chaos wrecked on. It was to also simultaneously build a proper government administration and promote racial integration.
Some of them includes the following
i) The Rukun Negara with the 5 pledges
ii) The New Economic Policy (NEP) 1970 to eradicate poverty
iii) Amending the Sedition Act 1948 to curb deviation toward public security and the country
(2.0) Differing Opinions
These varying opinions came from the Wacana Sinar Harian Siri ke-265, titled 'Mageran: Jalan keluar pulih krisis negara?'
According to member of parliament for Pasir Gudang, Hassan Abdul Karim, he did not concur with the former Prime Minister. He stressed that it violates the Federal Constitution and it would create a "government within a government". It would also mean a dictatorship would arise.
Instead, he argue that a new civil government should be formed, returned to the normal functions of parliament. If MAGERAN were to proceed, it would impinge on the principles of democracy.
Constitutional expert, Datuk Dr. Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz, she states that we already have the National Security Council, which is more contemporary as compared to the 1969 MAGERAN. Though, she does agree that there could be a mechanism to establish a council such as MAGERAN, but that name is outdated and the public perceives it as the old MAGERAN.
Though, there are others who still support the proposal of reviving MAGERAN or a council similar to that. They fortified their reasons that, the Covid-19 virus caused more casualties as compared to the 13th May 1969 incident.
Hence, this new MAGERAN or revival or that council should comprise of those appointed with the experience and knowledge to govern the country. The country could not rely on a fragile government, especially during the taxing times of the covid-19 pandemic.
Lastly, according to another Constitutional Expert, Prof Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, since the present government exist, there is no need to have a caretaker government, at least until 1st of August. The idea of MAGERAN should be postponed and be the last resort.
He also agreed that MAGERAN has a dictatorial nature and it was not necessary given the circumstances now. Since 1969, it was a one-man running show. However, if there are any political changes, it may be necessary to have MAGERAN.
(3.0) Conclusion
To conclude, there are perks and cons of reviving MAGERAN or creating a council akin to MAGERAN. If it is good or bad, it is up to us to decide.
References;
Arya Yunus (2021, June) Mageran should be last resort, says Prof Shad. Retrieved from, https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2021/06/699708/mageran-should-be-last-resort-says-prof-shad
Akmal Hakim (2021, June) MAGERAN: Dr M’s Solution From 1969 To Save Malaysia, But What Is It?. Retrieved from, https://www.therakyatpost.com/2021/06/11/mageran-dr-ms-solution-from-1969-to-save-malaysia-but-what-is-it/
Chung, N. (2021, June) What is Mageran and is it needed now? Retrieved from, https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/06/11/what-is-mageran-and-is-it-needed-now/
Emannuel, M. (2021, June) Ahead of Rulers’ meet tomorrow, Dr Mahathir says Agong’s prerogative to form Mageran-like recovery council. Retrieved from, malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/06/15/ahead-of-rulers-meet-tomorrow-dr-mahathir-says-agongs-prerogative-to-form-m/1982463
FMT Reporters (2021, June) Dr M’s Mageran plan gets backing from Bersatu man. Retrieved from, https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/06/16/dr-ms-mageran-plan-gets-backing-from-bersatu-man/
Mohd Azlim Zainury (2021, June) Fungsi Mageran dan MKN sama ketika darurat. Retrieved from, https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/144477/KHAS/Wacana/Fungsi-Mageran-dan-MKN-sama-ketika-darurat
Mohd Azlim Zainury (2021, June) Mageran seperti ada kerajaan dalam kerajaan. Retrieved from, https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/144441/KHAS/Wacana/Mageran-seperti-ada-kerajaan-dalam-kerajaan-Hassan
Mohd Fadhli Mohd Sulaiman (2021, June) Mageran: Saya ada pengalaman 22 tahun, jadi PM dua kali. Retrieved from, https://www.utusan.com.my/terkini/2021/06/mageran-saya-ada-pengalaman-22-tahun-jadi-pm-dua-kali/
Hi, I'm one of ur subscribers
ReplyDelete