Submitting two names for Selangor MB post allows palace interference, expert warns
(TMI) – A constitutional expert said submitting two names for the Sultan of Selangor to consider in deciding the menteri besar may empower the palace to interfere in the state’s politics.
“The Pakatan Rakyat leadership council had already unanimously agreed to nominate PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the position.
“So why is PKR deputy president Azmin Ali’s name being thrown into the issue. I do not see any need for two names to be given to the Sultan of Selangor,” said Dr Abdul Aziz (pic), told a forum in Kuala Lumpur last night.
At the forum “Selangor crisis: Democracy and Constitution”, held at the Selangor-Federal Territory Chinese Assembly Hall, Aziz said it was clear that Dr Wan Azizah was the chosen candidate who has the majority support in Selangor’s legislative assembly.
“PAS has also made it clear that it will not nominate a candidate for the menteri besar position, so why has Azmin’s name entered the mix?
“In my opinion, the Sultan of Selangor has a reason to interfere in the state’s politics because PAS has opened the door for him,” he added.
He agreed with Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah did not have the final decision in this issue.
“All the Sultan of Selangor needs to do is to hand over the appointment letter. It is as simple as that,” he said.
“With the appointment letter, the state government will be able to resume its duties and carry out its responsibilities normally.”
Aziz, saying he did not understand the delay in deciding the new MB, said if the Sultan felt that the state government could not be saved, he should allow it to prove itself in the state legislature.
“The Sultan duty and responsibility is to ensure that the state government is functioning smoothly,” he added.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had earlier proposed Dr Wan Azizah, the PKR president and Kajang assemblyman, to replace Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the Selangor MB. But there have been calls for Azmin’s name to be also submitted to the ruler for consideration, after PAS said the palace was not keen on Dr Wan Azizah.
