Najib: Any council not chosen by the rakyat is ‘unconstitutional’

(The Star) – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that any council aimed at supervising a leader, if not chosen by the rakyat, can be characterised as “undemocratic”.

“It directly clashes with Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, which is built on the axis of the principle of democracy,” said the Prime Minister on in the latest audio gallery post on najibrazak.com.

He was referring to former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s plan to have a “council of elders” to assist whoever becomes the next prime minister.

On Friday, Najib reiterated that Malaysia is a country that practices democracy, with leaders in the executive body chosen through party elections and the general elections.

“They receive the mandate to become leaders and hold positions in the Government to serve the rakyat and the country. Those who are chosen are responsible to the rakyat, because the people are the ones who choose,” he added.

If there is a body that can control an elected leader, said Najib, then Malaysia would diverge from the democratic system that had always been the key to the country’s peace and development.

“As Malaysian citizens, no matter our rank or standing, we need to uphold the Constitution.

“As a leader, I am responsible to defend this third tenet of the National Principles (Rukun Negara) with all my jurisdiction,” he added.