KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): The National Patriots Association (Patriot), which represents veteran armies in Malaysia, said the numbers and identities of members of Parliament who support either Perikatan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan must be revealed.

The veteran army group said the citizens have a right to see the proof for themselves to determine the support for the two sides.

Hence, the Parliament must convene "without delay" to allow support for the new prime minister and government be tested, said Patriot president Brigadier General (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji in a statement today.

"Otherwise, this new government is seen as illegitimate. This principle of legitimacy cannot be compromised. In the event Perikatan Nasional fails to secure majority support in Parliament, Pakatan Harapan should be given the chance to form [a] government in compliance with the mandate given by the people after GE14," said Mohamed Arshad.

"Politicians cannot take power claiming that they are the architects of democracy. It is the people who have this honorable duty. Politicians have a moral obligation to fulfil the trust given to them. As such, Patriot does not buy the assurances preached by renegades and traitors," he added.

The statement, which is endorsed by 22 other non-governmental organisations and civil societies, also pointed out that events that transpired and led to the appointment of the country’s 8th prime minister must be examined without fear or favour. 

"If there are elements of treason or hints of betrayal against the people's democratic rights as enshrined in our sacrosanct Constitution, we demand that these be investigated and acted justly upon.

"Expunging an existing elected government and replacing it without the mandate of citizens is not only a blow to our constitutional monarchy, but attacks our very pillars of democracy. A nation weakened from the inside is far more dangerous than being attacked by an invading power," said Mohamed Arshad.

He further said it is the duty of all citizens to ensure that justice, honour and dignity were not trampled upon or exploited to achieve what had transpired last week, as democracy, when compromised or exploited, threatens the stability of a nation.

If the corrupt are allowed to plunder the nation’s coffers, then it is the citizens who have allowed the country to slip into a vulnerable state, Mohamed Arshad said.

Meanwhile, he said any person that is to be appointed as minister, deputy minister or other political appointees must be vetted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysian Police to ensure that their records are clean.

"This is the time we get rid of corrupt individuals and criminals masquerading to be our leaders. For Patriots, the peace and harmony of this nation is at stake. The will of the people cannot be bought with purse strings. Only honor, trust, dignity and patriotism to the nation and king remain the viable currency," he added.