A LESSON IN THE SELANGOR STATE CONSTITUTION

And note one thing, His Highness is a Constitutional Monarch, not a Puppet on the throne. So do not assume that His Highness has no power and authority and must do as he is told.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

I have noticed that many readers talk about the law and the constitution without reading what the law or constitution says and with absolutely no understanding of the matter. In fact, some are not even aware that states do have a constitution or have even ever seen one.

And this is why many people are making silly comments regarding the power and authority of Their Highnesses. These same people also make silly comments regarding two issues that have reached crisis proportions in Selangor — the Allah word crisis and the Menteri Besar crisis.

Maybe it is time you were given a lesson on the Selangor State Constitution before you continue to make foolish statements.

First read Article 48 of the Selangor State Constitution below.

Many of you argue that His Highness the Sultan of Selangor is the head of Islam, not the head of religion. This is not what Article 48 says. His Highness has the power and authority over all religions that may affect Islam. If His Highness is of the opinion that using the Allah word does affect Islam then His Highness has a say in that matter.

Article 53 says His Highness shall appoint a Menteri Besar. It is not the political parties that appoint a Menteri Besar but His Highness that does so. The appointment of the Menteri Besar is based on the discretion of His Highness although in most instances His Highness will take into consideration and respect the wishes of the people of Selangor.

If, however, the Menteri Besar faces a vote of no confidence in the State Assembly, then the Menteri Besar shall tender his resignation unless the Menteri Besar requests that His Highness dissolve the State Assembly to make way for fresh state elections (due to the vote of no confidence).

In other words, the Menteri Besar need not resign. He can request that His Highness dissolve the State Assembly so that the matter can be brought back to the voters to decide.

Article 55(2) of the Selangor State Constitution spells out the powers and authority of His Highness the Sultan and in what situations His Highness can use his discretion (2)(a) to (2)(g).

So there you have it. Do more reading before you start commenting about things you know very little about. And note one thing, His Highness is a Constitutional Monarch, not a Puppet on the throne. So do not assume that His Highness has no power and authority and must do as he is told.