KUCHING: Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim has dismissed allegations that his concerns over the timing of an early dissolution of Parliament are motivated by a desire to protect his personal position and privileges.
He said his tenure as a member of the Dewan Negara would not be affected by the dissolution of Parliament, contrary to claims made by some individuals following his recent statement on the timing of an early general election.
Citing Article 45(3) of the Federal Constitution, Ahmad explained that the tenure of senators was not affected by the dissolution of Parliament, unlike Members of the Dewan Rakyat.
“Therefore, my position on the timing of dissolution has nothing to do with protecting my position as a senator,” he said in a statement today (Nov. 15).
He also clarified that he was neither a Cabinet Minister nor a Deputy Minister and did not hold any ministerial position that he was seeking to protect.
Ahmad said his concern had always been to allow Parliament to complete the necessary legislative process for Budget 2027 and avoid unnecessary complications in the country’s financial administration.
He said while the public was entitled to disagree with his views, such differences should not lead to baseless allegations of corruption.
“You may disagree with my views. That is your democratic right, and I respect it. However, disagreement does not justify making baseless allegations of corruption,” he said.
He stressed that there was a clear distinction between questioning someone’s opinion and accusing an individual of wrongdoing without evidence.
Ahmad, who is also chairman of the Senate Select Committee on National Defence and Security, said he welcomed constructive criticism and healthy political debate based on facts, the Federal Constitution and national interests.
Reiterating his position, he said Parliament should complete the Budget 2027 process responsibly before any consideration was given to an early dissolution.
“This is about responsible governance, not personal political survival,” he said.
