COMMENT | There are two basic ideas in Malaysian parliamentary democracy. First, the Parliament consists of three components - the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Agong.

The law enactment process will go through the House first, followed by the Senate, and then the Agong. Both the Senate and Agong can delay the law enactment process. The Agong can withhold assent to a bill for 30 days.

Second, the cabinet is collectively responsible to the Parliament.

As for the current crisis which involves the emergency ordinances, from the statements of the palace and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), a question arises.

Is the Agong's assent to revoking the emergency ordinances a necessary constitutional step? The palace seems to think so while the PMO thinks otherwise.

Looking at development over recent months, and read together with the Agong’s statements, the prime minister appears to be losing the confidence of the palace.

The evolving crisis could lead to several possible scenarios this coming Monday...