I just had this random thought this morning – about how Malaysia might want to have direct PM elections.
In our current system, the PM is appointed by the YDPA based on his discretion on who commands the majority in parliament. My argument is that this is based on the notion that by commanding the majority support in parliament, the PM also enjoys the majority support of the people.
Unfortunately, with gerrymandering and malapportionment, it is possible for a Malaysian PM to command a majority in parliament with under 20% of the popular support. So, this premise no longer holds true. A better measure that the YDPA might use to appoint the PM is a person who can command the majority of popular support.
What better way to get this feedback than through direct PM elections?
I will try to develop this idea further in my law blog, taking into account the necessary Constitutional Law aspects.
Sybreon Ones Nought 