We're not a democratic nation if rulers pick MB - Mahathir returns fire
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refused to back down in the wake of Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar telling "certain parties" not to meddle in the state's affairs.
Commenting on the sultan's statement, Mahathir said if rulers had the final word on who becomes prime minister or menteri besar, then Malaysia would not be a democratic nation...
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refused to back down in the wake of Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar telling "certain parties" not to meddle in the state's affairs.
Commenting on the sultan's statement, Mahathir said if rulers had the final word on who becomes prime minister or menteri besar, then Malaysia would not be a democratic nation.
"I am of the opinion that if we assume that those who can choose the prime minister and choose our menteri besar are the kings, then we are no longer a democratic country," he told a press conference at Parliament this evening.
Mahathir said the rakyat had chosen a party, which in turn had the right to appoint the menteri besar.
"...But (when) this right is denied, then we are no longer a democracy," he added.
Earlier today, Sultan Ibrahim released a statement that "certain parties" (pihak tertentu) should not meddle in the affairs of the state “because this sovereign state still has a sultan."
Although he did not refer to any particular issue, it is believed Sultan Ibrahim was commenting on Osman Sapian's resignation as menteri besar and the various statements surrounding his replacement.
The sultan, who is currently abroad, urged these "certain quarters" (pihak tertentu) to cease "making noise and arguing".
“Focus on efforts to take care of the country instead," he had added.
Mahathir revealed yesterday that Osman had resigned as the Johor menteri besar on Monday.
Constitutional monarchy, not absolute
The prime minister reiterated in the press conference today that Malaysia practises the system of constitutional monarchy, and not absolute monarchy.
“When we were forming the Tanah Melayu federation, we introduced a Federal Constitution, and in this constitution, it is stated that the Tanah Melayu federation and the states in the federation will practise constitutional monarchy, not absolute monarchy.
“If there is such a thing still in the Johor state constitution, that is void because Johor also agreed to this ruling system in our country,” he said.
Mahathir also sarcastically proposed a discourse on whether to continue the system of constitutional monarchy in Malaysia, in which the king only acts upon the advice of the prime minister at the federal level, or the menteri besar at the state level.
“If we get rid of that, then we no longer need an election anymore,” the premier added.
Earlier today, the 93-year-old had said that it is the winning party who gets to select the next Johor menteri besar, not the ruler.
Yesterday, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said it is the prerogative of the sultan to appoint the menteri besar.
According to Tunku Ismail, it was Sultan Ibrahim who made the decision to change the menteri besar.
Johor exco member Sahruddin Jamal, who is from Bersatu, is being touted as the front runner for the post.
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