Both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar need to maintain good ties to resolve the issue of candidates for the menteri besar post, opposition leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob advised today.
"I am saying there is no need for (both of them) to be so rigid in defending their right as stipulated by the law.
"It is important to have harmony between the ruler and the premier," he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby.
Ismail, the Umno vice-president, was asked which party should or should not interfere in the state's affairs relating to the appointment of the menteri besar.
He admitted that he was unsure of the relevant laws, but believes that these clearly state the respective jurisdictions of the ruler and the prime minister.
"Let the ruler and the prime minister settle the matter," he said.
"If everyone sticks to the law, but we lose our harmony (in the process), it would be meaningless," he said.
The disagreement between Mahathir and Sultan Ibrahim was triggered by the resignation of Osman Sapian as menteri besar on Tuesday.
The ruler urged "certain quarters" to stop meddling in the state's affairs and pledged to make the "right decision" soon – believed to be in reference to Osman Sapian's replacement.
In reply, Mahathir said that if rulers had the final word on who became prime minister or menteri besar, then Malaysia would not be a democracy.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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