IPOH: A prominent constitutional expert said there are views that the Conference of Rulers may follow the unique constitutional monarchy rotation system or otherwise over the appointment of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Dr Abdul Aziz Bari said according to the rotation system, Rulers from Pahang followed by Johor and Perak are the next in line following the resignation of Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The State Education, Technology, Science and Environment executive councillor said the Conference of Rulers may not follow the rotation following reports that Sultan of Pahang, Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, is not in the best of health.
Hence, he said, the Conference of Rulers may vote between Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar or Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, as the next King.
“Whether the Conference of Rulers will follow or otherwise the rotation system will also depend on the date to vote for the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“If the date for the Conference of Rulers to choose the new King is not done immediately, there is still time for Pahang to appoint the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, as the new Sultan of Pahang.
“The Pahang Regent has been carrying the duties of the Sultan of Pahang for quite some time now.
“If such situation occur, there is still a chance for a Ruler from Pahang to be appointed as the new King keeping with the tradition of the rotation system,” he said when contacted.
He said Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy system is unique, in which, every Sultans have their respective heir whether they are the Crown Prince or the Raja Muda.
“Whatever happens, we must accept the fact that the Conference of Rulers, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, has the right to decide the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
He acknowledged that there are many views over the matter, which have surfaced based on the observation by individuals and groups on the practices that had been adopted previously.
He, however, is against the views that people who gave their take on the on the new King, as going against the system.
“This is a democratic nation and the rakyat deserved to be briefed and access to information on this matter.
“However, it is up to the respective parties to accept the views or otherwise if it is suitable with the monarchy system.”