'BN can use two-thirds to ensure Malay-Muslim MB'

Former Court of Appeals Judge Mohd Noor Abdullah said BN can ensure that only a Malay and Muslim can be appointed to the position of nenteri besar or chief minister by exercising its legislative power in states where it controlled two-thirds majority.

This, he said, was needed as even though the state constitutions said the head of government must be Malay or Muslim, there is a special clause for the ruler to exercise discretion in making leeway for non-Malays and non-Muslims.

"So how? If we don't want (a non-Malay and non-Muslim as head of government), then amend the constitution where there is two-thirds majority like in Malacca and Pahang.

"Include a clause that say it must be a Malay and Muslim, there is no need for the third (exception) clause," he said.

Mohd Noor explained that state constitutions generally had three clauses governing the head of government, one was that the person was enjoy a majority of support in the state legislative assembly and the second was that it must be a Malay and Muslim.

However, there is also a third clause which says that the ruler may exercise discretion to relax on the second clause if the nominated person has majority support in the house.

Similarly, even though there is no clause that the prime minister must be a Malay or Muslim, the Yang DiPertuan Agong should exercise discretion to only appoint a Malay and Muslim, he said.

'Agenda to bring Singapore into Malaysia'

On another matter, He said that with just a simple majority and without needing the consent of the Conference of Rulers, Parliament can also admit any territory into the Federation of Malaysia including Singapore and Brunei.

"This was their agenda, the betrayal I spoke of includes bringing Singapore into the Federation of Malaysia," he said.

Mohd Noor was speaking at a forum in Kuala Lumpur on strengthening Malay unity organised by UiTM Malaysia Alumni Association and Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung and held at the Premiera Hotel.

Approached later, Mohd Noor said he was not making the suggestion but if people did not want to see a non-Malay and non-Muslim head of state, then this is what must be done.

Also present at the event was former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa (right) who called for a Umno and PAS Malay unity government.

"Not everyone in Umno are demons and not everyone in PAS are angels, it would be best that the angels comes together," he said.