Dr Mahathir Mohamad must stop issuing statements which confuse the public regarding the role of the rulers as defined in the Federal Constitution, according to Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He was commenting on the prime minister's remarks regarding the appointment of the new chief justice.
“Mahathir's statement has given rise to numerous questions.
“Is he 'attempting' not to understand or did he not read the Federal Constitution which clearly states in Article 122B that the chief justice is to be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advise of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers',” he said in a statement.
Aysraf said this is where Attorney-General Tommy Thomas must advise the prime minister.
“This is where the AG must play the role of advising the prime minister and not be preoccupied with the antics of liberal groups who do not respect the institution of the Malay rulers,” he added.
Asyraf said Mahathir must concede that he has no absolute powers with regard to the appointment of the chief justice as he is bound by numerous procedures, especially the consent of the rulers.
In an exclusive interview with the Star, the prime minister revealed that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has not responded on the new chief justice.
“I always imagined that the king is the person who must approve all senior appointments but somehow or rather, there is a reference to the Conference of Rulers. Now, it is not just the king, but it also has to go to the rulers.
"I don't know what it means. The decision made (by Putrajaya) cannot be altered unless there is a valid reason.
"We have made a decision (on the chief justice) and sent it to the king. At this moment, I still have not received any confirmation of the candidacy," he had said.
Last week, the Singapore Straits Times reported on the impasse between the rulers and Mahathir's administration regarding the chief justice issue.
The newspaper quoted an unnamed source “close to a senior monarch” as stating: “They (the rulers) have kept mum, passing back the message that they are no rubber stamps."
The chief justice post has been vacant since April 12 following the retirement of Richard Malanjum. - Mkini
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