The Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) has demanded for an investigation on Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin over her comments about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This came after her appearance on Astro Awani talk show "Consider This" where she claimed that the public statement issued by the king on July 29 regarding the proposed revocation of the emergency ordinances (EO) was "not proper".
“Patriot is demanding immediately that the police and MACC should investigate Zuraida (above).
“As defenders of our nation’s sovereignty, we the veterans of Patriot and our civilian members take serious objection to politicians like Zuraida who publicly bring our rulers and in this case Yang di-Pertuan Agong into questionable disrepute,” said Patriot president Mohd Arshad Raji in a statement today.
On Monday, Zuraida said the Agong, who was bound to act on the advice of the cabinet in most matters, could have engaged the cabinet first to seek clarification before issuing the statement.
She said as a cabinet member, she believed the revocation of the EO process was above board.
Zuraida added that due to Malaysia having a constitutional monarchy, the monarch had to get the advice of the cabinet and prime minister prior to any decision-making.
"I am a bit upset. Anything that they are not clear (with), they should always call the Prime Minister's Office. (Moreover,) the prime minister (is granted an audience by the Agong) once a week before the cabinet meeting," she had said.
Citing her quote, Patriot said her claim brought the palace into disrepute.
“Patriot does not and will never tolerate any attempts by politicians – and especially those in government, to run down our constitutional monarchy. This is treasonous. It is unprecedented. It is dangerous and these attacks on our sovereignty must stop now.
“As defenders of our beloved nation, we demand stern action by the rule of law and in keeping with our long tradition of respect for our royal institution.
“By publicly stating that ‘the king is supposed to listen to what is being recommended by the cabinet’, the minister has not only shamed the integrity of the royal institution but also forced a perception in the public eyes – citizens and foreigners, that our king is not doing the right thing,” said Arshad.
On the talk show, Zuraida also claimed that Agong’s statement should not have been issued, as His Majesty is meant to listen to what is being recommended by the cabinet.
"There shouldn't have been any kind of public statement which, I think, is not that proper in this kind of constitutional monarchy system," she had said.
Patriot claimed that her emphasis on the Agong’s action not being proper in “this kind of constitutional monarchy system” further condemned the royal institution.
They added that politicians should be setting a good example of respecting the royal institution.
“Politicians should be the first line of defence for the nation in setting a good example of respecting, protecting and not shaming our royal institution represented by our Agong and fellow rulers.
“When the politicians and especially those in cabinet themselves deem that they are above the royal institution or think they can attack the Agong publicly by casting aspersions, our beloved country is shamed in the eyes of the world. This Patriot cannot and will never accept,” Arshad said.
On July 29, the Istana Negara issued a rare reprimand of the executive. Among others, the Agong was "deeply disappointed" that de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan claimed in Parliament on July 26 that the ordinances were revoked by the cabinet when royal assent was not granted.
Instead, the Agong argued that the EO had to be debated in both Houses of Parliament to fulfil Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution.
A debate would eventually result in a vote on whether to keep the EO which could have potentially exposed the extent of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's level of support in the Dewan Rakyat. - Mkini
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