malaysiakini logo
story-image
mk-logo
News
Little choice for sultan but to pick Azizah
ADS

YOURSAY ‘HRH will be defying the constitution if he rejects Wan Azizah.’

 

'Constitution defied if palace rejects Azizah'

   

Raja Chulan: I fully agree with constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari (that Selangor sultan should not reject PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as MB). Additionally there is no basis to dissolve the state legislative in the present scenario.

 

One side has 43 seats, a clear majority and the leader of this side has to be made the MB. The sultan and MB do not have discretion when there is 'no hung assembly' situation.

 

Dissolving the state legislative under this situation will amount to hijacking or frustrating democracy and the will of the voters.

 

Also, denying the appointment of Wan Azizah as MB will be against the spirit of democracy and; the federal and state constitution. If the sultan refuses the rakyat's choice, he better have a good and valid reason.

 

Ex-PJ: The sultan’s responsibility is to uphold the constitution and nothing else.

 

However, with all this unnecessary drama, I won't be surprised if there is another twist in the story. A major problem in Malaysia is the absence of responsibility to the constitution and abiding to the law among those in power.

 

It is further compounded by a PM who has no leadership qualities. He should be stepping in to provide direction and encourage quick resolution in a situation like this.

 

Loyal Selangorian: We are very confused over the role of the sultan in regard to the appointment of the new MB.

 

If the sultan is such an important person that he is the only one who can finally decide on the appointment and given the critical leadership vacuum in Selangor created by a rogue ‘MB’, the sultan should immediately solve this problem.

 

Given today's advance technology, a real-time live inquiry can be held for the sultan to make a decision if HRH (His Royal Highness) finds it inconvenient to return early from his overseas trip.

 

If, on the other hand, he is doing something behind the scene, then we Selangorians have the right to know.

 

Kim Quek: Until today, I am still puzzled as to how our politicians from both sides of the political divide could have conceived the notion that the sultan has the power to pick and choose the menteri besar when our constitution clearly dictates against such power.

 

No parliamentary democracy in the world allows the crown or head of state to do that, so what gets into the heads of these people that our polity, which adopts the Westminster style of parliamentary democracy as clearly spelled out in our constitution, is so different from the rest?

 

Could it be that emotional attachment to lore of feudal kingdoms of the past has confused their thinking?

 

Ferdtan: "Now if the sultan wanted a say, would he be willing to be responsible for the government he appointed?" constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari asked.

 

This sums up all that needs to say. If the sultan rejects the people’s choice calling for a replacement and if the government fails due to the wrong choice, who is to be blamed?

 

Forty-three out of 56 representatives say Wan Azizah is the right and best candidate. So what gives the right to anyone to say otherwise? If we are practicing democracy, this is no longer a moot point. On top of that, she has the necessary qualifications.

 

It really defies logic that at this age of constitutional monarchy, we are still speculating and uncertain of the outcome when it should be a done deal. How sad this has come about.

 

We pray the palace do the right thing so that the royal institution will regain the respect lost, especially after the takeover debacle of Perak in 2009 involving the Perak royalty.

 

Multi Racial: The Selangor rakyat have given Pakatan Rakyat a overwhelming mandate in GE13.

 

As we practice constitution monarchy, the rulers are merely formality and does not have executive power. Their only role is to make sure the nominated candidate for the MB has the mandate of the majority of the people through their state assemblymen and women.

 

Once there is a mandate from the majority assemblypersons then the sultan has no choice but to accept the nominated candidate as the appointed MB.

 

Joe Lee: Aziz Bari is spot on again. The sultan will be defying the constitution if he rejects Wan Azizah. Azizah is the people's choice. The sultan should not count on Najib or the AG (attorney-general) to support him, just because he prefers a Umno-friendly menteri besar.

 

He will incur the people's wrath if he acts beyond his powers under the constitution.

 

Fair Play: With due respect, I think most of us are jumping into all sorts of conclusion. Me? I would rather wait until HRH returns by Aug 27 and put this matter to bed.

 

The fact that HRH rejected a request by Khalid to seek an audience in Budapest and that the ruler's private secretary Mohamad Munir Bani chose to make it public is akin to a tight slap on Khalid's face.

 

It also showed Khalid's desperation and the extent he would go to perhaps trigger a snap election in Selangor. I just wonder just how low a person could go to seek his 'retribution'.

 

Speaking Sense: The people can choose their MB, but cannot choose their ruler. Therefore the ruler must accede to the people's choice. Otherwise, what is the point of having a democracy?


The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.

View Comments