It Is Not Derhaka To Tegur The Agong

 

Everything in Malaysia is about politics. But when the Istana is also a political tool, to be used by both sides of the political divide, then there is not much hope for the country. The Istana is supposed to be the institution that restores order when need be. But when the Istana is the source of this disorder, then there is not much use of an institution that is just one more tool of the politicians.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Around 30 years ago, then Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba told Parliament it is not wrong or a crime (or derhaka/treason) to tegur (contradict, disagree with, dispute) Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

At that time there were 180 members of parliament, 127 from Barisan Nasional, 49 from the opposition, and four independent MPs. DAP had 20 MPs and PBS had 14, with another eight from Semangat 46 and seven from PAS.

Not a single MP out of the 180 MPs from both sides of the political divide stood up to disagree or scream “derhaka”. In short, Parliament agreed with Ghafar’s statement. In fact, Parliament passed a Bill to set up a “special” court to try any Raja-Raja Melayu who commits a crime. And this court can even hear civil cases against any Raja, which has since happened.

So there you have it. Around 30 years ago, Parliament removed the divine status of the Agong and the Raja-Raja Melayu and made them legally accountable for their actions. And if they broke the law or violated the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, they can be made accountable for these transgressions.

The former Chief Justice, Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad, said something very interesting today (READ HERE: Ex-CJ Says Palace Acted Outside Constitution, Giving Perception of Interference in Politics) and I recommend you read it.

In short, His Majesty the Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, was wrong in several decisions made since March 2020. And, worse still, His Majesty has given the perception that he is interfering in politics and is taking sides in a power struggle.

This not only violates the Constitution but is dangerous as well — because if the Agong or the Raja-Raja Melayu get involved in politics or takes sides in a power struggle, they will become legitimate targets. When you get involved in a fight, you face the risk of getting hurt — as simple as that.

The opposition (and some in Umno as well) love playing both sides of the field. When any Raja (or the Agong) comes out with a decision that does not favour them (such as in the Selangor MB case), they will attack the Raja (or the Agong). But when the decision favours them and someone criticises this decision (like in the vote of confidence case), they will scream “derhaka” and say that person’s citizenship must be withdrawn, etc.

The younger generation (even in England) are questioning the need for this feudal system

The opposition (and some in Umno as well) can be pro-monarchy one day and republican the next day, depending on whether whatever happens benefits them politically or not. And this has confused the rakyat like hell, who no longer know whether Malaysia should remain a constitutional monarchy or be turned into a republic.

Politicians will use the Istana for their politics and sometimes the Raja-Raja Melayu are too naïve to see this. Or maybe they do see it but purposely want to main politik. Even the MACC has openly admitted that under the Pakatan Harapan government they were used for political purposes and even buried cases involving Pakatan people.

Everything in Malaysia is about politics. But when the Istana is also a political tool, to be used by both sides of the political divide, then there is not much hope for the country. The Istana is supposed to be the institution that restores order when need be. But when the Istana is the source of this disorder, then there is not much use of an institution that is just one more tool of the politicians.