If the rulers are assumed to have the power to choose the prime minister and menteri besar, Malaysia can no longer be considered a democratic country, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
The premier had been asked to respond to the latest remarks from Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who had asked unidentified parties to stop meddling in the state’s affairs.
“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 said.
Mahathir added that 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,” Mahathir said to reporters in a press conference in Parliament today.
The Johor ruler had earlier released a statement saying 'certain parties' should not meddle in the affairs of the state “because this sovereign state still has a sultan”.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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