De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim has called for a change in the constitution to change ‘archaic’ laws. This is the same minister who claimed that the Sultan's choice for the menteri besar of Terengganu was not constitutional.
What does he mean by ‘archaic laws’? Does he intend to clip the powers of the Sultan to choose the MB? Zaid was the first one to announce the unconstitutionality of the the Sultan's choice, followed by the Umno attorney-general (is he a civil servant or politician?) with the prime minister himself the last to join the fray.
It is so easy to change the constitutions of the states of Malaysia. All it takes is to have a two-thirds majority in any of the state legislative assemblies.
I feel that the first amendment that should be made is to make it difficult for any ruling party to change a state constitution. There is a presumption here that having a two-thirds majority means that they have a mandate to do whatever they like. They have no such thing - this is a flaw in representative democracy.
Any amendments to the state constitutions should be approved by the rakyat first. A plebiscite or referendum should be required. Of course, for now BN cannot change the federal constitution without the prerequisite two-thirds majority.
However, they do have a two-thirds majority in Terengganu. Zaid Ibrahim's announcement of ‘archaic’ laws needing change is ominous, right after having to eat crow in the Terengganu MB debacle.
If there is any such agenda to clip the powers of the Sultan, the rakyat should prevent this from happening. The sultans are still relevant, they are part of our unique democracy, our check and balance.
Even the master spin doctor himself has admitted that the sultans have not abused their power to choose their MBs in the past. Coming from someone who was responsible of the ruination of what was one of the most respected judiciaries in the world, it is something.
It is not ‘archaic laws’ that needs changing but laws that prevent a true democracy from operating. The subordination of the judiciary to the executive is a case in point. Zaid, please change that and keep your hands off the powers of their majesties the Sultans!
