Political coup is not ethical - The Star

By Sira Habibu

ALOR STAR: PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will only be forming an “immoral government” if he proceeds with his plans to stage a political coup, according to a don.

Universiti Utara Malaysia College of Law, Government and International Studies research and post-graduate dean Prof Dr Mohd Mustafa Ishak said it was morally and ethically wrong to encourage crossovers with the intention to seize control of the government.

“If Anwar proceeds with his plans, it will be the greatest insult against the electorate who have clearly given the mandate to Barisan Nasional,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Dr Mohd Mustafa said this in response to Anwar’s claims that he had enough Barisan MPs who were willing to cross over and enable the Pakatan Rakyat to form the Federal Government.

Dr Mohd Mustafa said instead of using underhanded tactics to seize power, Anwar should challenge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to call for fresh parliamentary elections.

“Let the people decide. Don’t force people to accept a government they did not elect.

“Perhaps Anwar is not willing to challenge Abdullah because he fears Barisan would return with a bigger majority if fresh elections were called.

“Perhaps that is why Anwar himself is not standing in any by-election, as it would undermine his leadership if he could not garner a landslide majority,” he said.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/18/nation/20989832&sec=nation]