LAWYERS CONCUR: ‘No legal need to give more than one name' to Sultan

PETALING JAYA: There is no legal requirement for Pakatan Rakyat component parties to submit more than one nominee for the appointment of the mentri besar post, say legal experts.

Constitutional expert Syahredzan Johan said it is within the legal rights of the respective political parties to submit only one name even though the Sultan had requested for more than one name from each party.

"The request by His Royal Highness should be seen as just that – a request (by him). It is within the legal rights of the parties to submit just one name. They should not be penalised or in any way disadvantaged by their decision to submit just one name.

"If there is one name with the support of the majority, then it is that person who should be appointed as the MB," he added.

Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Eric Paulssen echoed this sentiment, saying that based on convention, it is up to the political parties to decide who they wish to hold the top post "as the individual commands the confidence of the DUN (state assembly)" as per the state's constitution.

Bar Council president Christopher Leong said given the constitutional and legal provisions in appointing an MB, there are no legal consequences or sanctions for the two political parties to face action should they put forward only one name for the Sultan's consideration.

"However, if there are good grounds for the Sultan to doubt or (if he) is not convinced that the single nominee enjoys the confidence of the majority of the state assembly, he would reject the said nomination and request for another," he said. -Sundaily