COMMENT I have been wondering whether ‘treason’ is a correct word to use if an army general takes on the order from the prime minister, who now has the power under the National Security Council Act (NSC) to declare an emergency.

This is without seeking the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, although all along, we know that the Agong is designated under Article 41 of the Federal Constitution as the Supreme Commander or Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The loyalty of the Armed Forces will always be to the Agong, and not anyone designated by him and definitely not the prime minister. Therefore, the powers that have now been given to the prime minister, are they constitutional or against the Federal Constitution? This is something for the constitutional experts to debate on.