KELANTAN HOLDS SPECIAL STATE ASSEMBLY SITTING TO AVOID PROBLEMS ON NEW SULTAN

The Kelantan State government is convening a special sitting of the State Assembly by this month to overcome any possible obstacles that may come about in the installation of the new Sultan, Sultan Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra who had been replaced by an existing Sultan, Tuanku Ismail Petra Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra who had been described as been unable to perform his official ruler's duties.

The State government with its latest amendment of the State Constitution, valid as of 2 September 2010 covers this aspect under Article 23A, feels that the best platform to overcome any future problems is to get the consent of the people's voice, the State Assembly, to approve and accept the new appointment of the Sultan and also granting whatever rights, payments and perks to the old Sultan, who is still alive but unable to perform his official duties.

This bold step by the PAS State government need to be commendated since they respect the laws of the country and also the rights of its citizens.

There were comments made that the inability of the existing Sultan were never made know while the appointment was made in a rush, creating suspicion that some hanky-panky may have taken place. There were also reports indicating problems in the royal family household on the matter of succession.

Given the benefit of doubts, the existing Sultan is receiving medical treatment in Singapore and could be not in a position to carry out his duties, while his illness has now been for a considerable term of time while jeopardising the State government to perform and serve the people effectively.

While the State Succession Council who have the actual powers to install a new Sultan have already given their approval on the new appointment as provided for by the State Constitution.

With this appointment, the State government is no longer paralyse and the continuity is maintained.

But this could not be said of Perak, when the Opposition State government was 'toppled' while the Constitution, if interpreted and applied correctly, only gives the State Assembly the powers to replace,("although now the Courts feels that they have the inherent powers to decide against the State or Federal Constitution").

Just because of certain political masters who desperately want to capture and regain this State, they used the Courts and the Palace to' circumvent' this golden rule.

Kelantan does not want to be trapped by these opportunist and be burden by long delayed court cases that will undermined the State administration while showing their people that the rule of law does still exist and is always respected and adhered to.