The prime minister’s appointment after GE15 – Tommy Thomas

[superadmin]

THE consensus among poll-watchers is that it will be a close outcome after the ballots are counted and results announced this weekend: a finish too close to call.  

But what happens if none of the coalitions crosses the magic line of 112 seats? How would the new prime minister be appointed? 

The critical point to keep in mind is that the new prime minister must represent the popular will. He must enjoy the mandate of voters who just expressed their choice in the ballot box. 

The legal position is clear. 

Article 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution provides that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall first appoint a prime minister who is a Dewan Rakyat member, “who in his judgement is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan”. 

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