DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer emphasised that while he holds former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in the highest regard, he respectfully disagrees with her sweeping claim that politicians are the greatest threat to the Constitution.
Citing former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh, whom he hailed as the “fiercest defender of the Federal Constitution until his last breath”, the Jelutong MP said there are many other politicians who embody the same commitment.
“This nation knows that the late Karpal (above) was a fierce defender of the Federal Constitution. Whether in court or Parliament, Karpal defended the Federal Constitution to the hilt.
“Throughout his political and legal career, Karpal defended the Federal Constitution even at the risk of paying dearly with his liberty.
“So it is not fair to say that in Malaysia, politicians are a threat to the Federal Constitution. There are many politicians today who share the same aspirations and ideology as the late Karpal,” Rayer added.
Karpal, who died in a road accident in 2014, was fondly known as the “Tiger of Jelutong” and regarded as one of Malaysia’s most fearless lawyers, parliamentarians and human rights defenders.
The former Internal Security Act detainee’s reputation was built on a lifetime of uncompromising courage in defending constitutional principles, the law, and justice, even when it put him at odds with powerful political forces or placed his personal freedom at risk.
Three of Karpal’s sons followed him into politics - DAP chairperson and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, and Penang Deputy Chief Minister 2 Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Ex-CJ’s comment ‘dangerous’
Rayer stressed that DAP respects the Constitution, including the special position of the Malay rulers, Islam as the religion of the federation, the special privileges of the Malays, and Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
“It is therefore very dangerous to say that politicians are a threat to the Federal Constitution,” he added.
Rayer underscored that it is the duty of every politician in Malaysia, especially assemblypersons and MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to protect and uphold the Constitution to ensure the nation’s continued prosperity.
“Protecting the Federal Constitution also means to respond to anyone who suggests that we politicians are a threat to the Federal Constitution, even if it was the former chief justice,” he added.
Judicial interference concerns
Responding to a question from a member of the audience at an event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Tengku Maimun remarked that it is politicians who endanger the sanctity and supremacy of the Constitution.
“The biggest threat would be the politicians. I’m so sorry, I think it would be best for me not to elaborate (on the claim),” she said.
Although she downplayed the remark with a wry smile, Tengku Maimun revealed that while she had never experienced “interference” during her tenure as a High Court and appellate court judge, her time as chief justice was not as tranquil.
“Towards the end of my tenure as chief justice, there was a semblance of attempted interference,” she said, without divulging details. - Mkini
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