The Agong lost veto power in 1994
The Agong is non-executive. His Majesty does not have veto powers. Why do you think Dr Mahathir made these constitutional amendments in 1983 and 1994? It is so that the Prime Minister and not the Agong calls the shots.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Many people are saying many things about the latest “Constitutional Crisis”. The problem is many are speaking from sentiments and emotions without understanding the issue.
I am not a lawyer, so I will not write a 20- or 30-page thesis (like how lawyers would normally do). Instead, allow me to quote an excerpt of the report regarding the 1994 amendment to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia — dubbed “The Second Constitutional Crisis”.
The first amendment to the Federal Constitution — a.k.a. “The First Constitutional Crisis” — was in 1983. Both were during the time of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (and the second was when Anwar Ibrahim was the Deputy Prime Minister).
“Another further constitutional amendment in May 1994 allowed any law that has been passed by both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to become law within 30 days, irrespective of whether the Agong had given his assent. The new legislation further reduced the veto power of the Agong — amended previously in 1983, which also sparked a constitutional crisis. The older bill stated that Rulers could withhold assent of a proposed amendment within 30 days once both houses of parliament pass a proposed amendment.”
In short, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent (perkenan) is NOT required. Even if the Agong DOES NOT give his consent, it automatically becomes law anyway, with or without His Majesty’s consent.
And since the Emergency Ordinance are laws passed under the Emergency, this means the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara DO NOT need to debate and approve them. That is what the Emergency is all about.
The Agong is non-executive. His Majesty does not have veto powers. Why do you think Dr Mahathir made these constitutional amendments in 1983 and 1994? It is so that the Prime Minister and not the Agong calls the shots.
