Queen Elizabeth a good example of a constitutional monarch, says Dr M

 

Queen Elizabeth II and Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as a “good example of a constitutional monarch”.

In a Twitter thread, Mahathir said the Queen had visited Malaysia twice when he was the prime minister, adding that it was a pleasure to host her when she was here.

“I am saddened by the death of the Queen. I had met her on many occasions, especially during meetings of the British Commonwealth.

“Her passing away is a loss not just to the British but to people who believe in the rule of law,” said the Pejuang chairman.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

Ads by 

Mahathir also recalled his speech made at the Queen’s golden jubilee in Zimbabwe.

In the speech, he pointed out that what was said in English, might not be what was meant.

“(For instance) The presiding officer in Parliament is called Mr Speaker, but he may not speak. The Malay sultans are called the rulers but they may not rule. The British adviser ruled. Then there is the British Commonwealth where wealth is not common,” he said.

“The Queen laughed.”

He said he did not expect her to pass away so soon, especially since she was a year younger than him.

“May she rest in peace,” he said. - FMT