A storm is brewing in the Southern State of Johor. There are reports suggesting that the palace is unhappy with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM)’s choice of Chief Minister. Tun Mahathir, who is head of PPBM, is not pulling any punches. What is the role of the monarchy in the appointment of Chief Minister? Do…
This article first appeared at The Malay Mail on 10 Apr 2019. 1. Can the Sultan decree (“menitahkan”) for the MB to be replaced/resign? First and foremost, Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy. It is not an absolute monarchy. As a general rule, at the state level, all acts of the Sultan must be done in…
This article first appeared at The Malay Mail on 7 Jan 2019. 1. Can the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) resign from office? Article 32(3) of the Constitution allows the Agong to resign from office before his five-year term ends by writing to the Conference of Rulers. The YDPA can also technically be removed from office…
This article first appeared at The Malay Mail on 24 May 2018. A storm in a teacup is brewing in the tiny state of Perlis. Two weeks after GE14 on May 9, 2018, Perlis remains the only state which has not sworn in its mentri besar. BN won 10 out of the 15 state seats,…