Amid Johor tensions, Dr Mahathir points to constitution as highest rule of law.
In an apparent response to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s blogpost, Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim posted excerpts of the Federal Constitution on the rights and powers of state Rulers on his Facebook page.
He posted Article 71.(1) which states that the Federation shall guarantee the right of a Ruler of a state to succeed and to hold, enjoy and exercise the constitutional rights and privileges of the Ruler of that state.
The Article also states that any dispute as to the title to the succession as Ruler of any State shall be determined solely by such authorities and in such manner as may be provided by the Constitution of that state.
Tunku Ismail also posted Article 181.(1) which states that subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the sovereignty, prerogatives, powers and jurisdiction of the Rulers and the prerogatives, powers and jurisdiction of the ruling chiefs of Negri Sembilan within their respective territories as hitherto had and enjoyed shall remain unaffected.
The Prime Minister listed the events that led to the adoption of the country’s Federal Constitution, where it was agreed that Malaya (and later Malaysia) would be a democracy where the people would choose its government.
“It was agreed that Malaya would be a democracy where the people would choose the Government. The rulers would be constitutional heads without executive power.
“Their position would be guaranteed by the Constitution which would be the supreme law of the country. The party winning the election would name the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister – Mentri Besar and the constitutional head would endorse,” he said.
Dr Mahathir emphasised that in the event the constitutional monarch refused to give endorsement and instead proposed his own candidate and endorses him, the winning party could reject him in the assembly through a vote of no-confidence.
“The constitutions of Johor and Terengganu which were promulgated earlier (in 1895 and 1911 respectively) were nullified by the new constitution which was accepted by all the states of Malaysia.
“Accordingly on the 9th of May, 2018, the peoples of Malaysia went to the polls to elect the Governments of (the Federation) Malaysia and the Governments of the states.
“It is important that everyone concerned respects the Constitution and abide by it. Failure to do so would negate the rule of law,” he wrote.
Dr Mahathir took to explaining the history of the Federal Constitution in the wake of support from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Supreme Council members for him over the unexpected change in the Johor state executive council.
Bersatu convened an emergency meeting on Monday evening, where the main focus was the new Johor exco line-up, which occurred after Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal was sworn in as the new mentri besar on Sunday.
This also followed the revelation by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman that ties between him and Tunku Ismail have soured.
Subsequently, yesterday during a media interview, Syed Saddiq said the formerly-close relationship he had with the Johor Crown Prince frayed when Tunku Ismail made demands that he said were political in nature, leaving Syed Saddiq feeling uncomfortable.
Dr Mahathir and the Johor palace are known to have a thorny relationship. Both sides had traded barbs over various issues.
Earlier reports:
Apr 10, PM-Johor Palace Tiff
Apr 9, TMJ Confirms MB to Be Swapped, but on Sultan’s Decree