Azmin’s appointment as Selangor MB is flawed, says lawyer
V. Anbalagan, The Malaysian Insider
The appointment of Mohamed Azmin Ali as Selangor menteri besar (MB) was flawed as he went through a selection process, constitutional lawyer Tommy Thomas told the International Malaysia Law Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
“What happened in Selangor was absolutely wrong,” the lawyer said in reply to question from the floor.
About 700 delegates, including foreigners, are attending the three-day meeting organised by the Malaysian Bar.
He said it was for the party to choose the leader and that was the end of the matter.
A delegate raised the appointment process of the Selangor menteri besar, saying he was taught in law school that the chief executive of a state was appointed if he commands the confidence of the majority.
The delegate said the appointing authority must use its discretionary powers in accordance with the parliamentary process.
He said it appeared that there was selection and then appointment for the post, in referring to Azmin’s appointment as the MB.
“Is this according to the constitution? ” said the delegate.
Thomas, one of three speakers who discussed the topic “The Federal Constitution of Malaysia after 50 years” said one had to look at the United Kingdom, Australia and India to understand what happened in Selangor.
