Fed Up?

• 3 June 2020
• 0 comments

Is what the Sultan of Johor is reported in the Press as feeling about “selfish politicians”. He should perhaps reflect on two things. First it is the will of the people, as manifested by the electoral process, which determines the outcome of political dispute. Second that the Constitution confers on the Agong certain political powers that it does not grant to other State rulers.

If the Johor Sultan does in fact have the legal power to dissolve the State Assembly, and does so, he must expect to justify his action. Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy which permits  Rulers to share in a rotating headship of State. If it is desired that such provisions remain in force those concerned should be cautious about threatening to use outdated powers to affect democratic processes.