Saifuddin: People's choice must be defended against the 'deep state'

INTERVIEW | Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah stressed that the people's choice of a democratically elected government must be defended against a "deep state" that may want to remove it through undemocratic means.

A deep state refers to a "state within a state" pursuing its own agenda outside of the national political leadership.

He said this in the context of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's comment on Friday that there was an attempt to get the rulers to sign an order against the premier over the government's decision to ratify the Rome Statute.

Citing an example in the Asia region, Saifuddin said the same thing could happen to Malaysia.

"There was a country in Asia which had never seen a democratic transition. After a people's uprising, there was an election and a president was chosen. The president was the first democratically elected leader and formed the government.

"Within a year, a general led a power grab and toppled the democratically elected government.

"Mahathir's statement raises concern that the same thing could happen in our country. This must be prevented. We need to defend the people's uprising and choice," he told Malaysiakini in an interview.

Saifuddin said transition of powers in a democracy was a norm but it must be done within the democratic process.

"What must be avoided is a coup d'etat by the deep state or undemocratic apparatus," he said.

On Friday, Mahathir announced that Malaysia was withdrawing from the Rome Statute following objections from various quarters.

Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was one of the most vocal of them.

Tunku Ismail had claimed that the Rome Statute, which governs the International Court of Justice that deals with war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression, would threaten the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malays and Islam.

Mahathir had said the move was not because the international treaty was bad but due to confusion created by "one particular person who wants to be free to beat up people".

"And if he beats up people again, I will send the police to arrest him, I don't care who he is," he added.

Mahathir also claimed that there was an attempt to get the rulers to sign an order against him.

Yesterday, Mahathir's successor-designate Anwar Ibrahim, when asked if Mahathir could be referring to any politician, said it was actually a "particular personality from a royal family".

Anwar said he was certain as he had met Mahathir to discuss the matter.

Saifuddin said he had explained the Rome Statute at length and criticised those who he claimed had "manipulated facts".

"I had explained in Parliament and met the Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice.

"There was manipulation of facts so much so that emotions overshadowed the truth. They played with emotions to frighten people, cause confusion and misunderstanding," he said.

He again defended that the ratification of the Rome Statute would not affect the power of the rulers and therefore there was no necessity to consult the Conference of Rulers. - Mkini