KUALA LUMPUR: Is the AG refuting the constitutional power and authority of the Dewan Rakyat, and of the Agong, to require the PM to test his confidence in Parliament? AG asked
We, the undersigned civil society groups, respond to the Attorney General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s statement on 4 September 2021. The AG referred to the operation of Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution and drew two conclusions as a result:
(a) His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to appoint a prime minister is an absolute power (“kuasa mutlak”); and
(b) Any step by the Dewan Rakyat to verify whether or not Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri has the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat through a direct vote in the House would be an attempt to supplant the alleged absolute power of the Agong.
With respect to the office of the Attorney General, Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s conclusions are preposterous. It goes against the spirit and letter of Malaysia’s constitutional democracy and embarrasses the office of the Attorney General.
In light of the same, the public deserves to know Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s advice to the government and the Agong on these issues:
First, is it Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s position that Malaysia is governed by a monarchy with absolute power? As every Malaysian knows, Malaysia practises a system of parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy, under which no institutions have absolute power – whether it is the constitutional monarch, the Executive, Parliament or the Judiciary. All of these institutions exercise their powers based on the limits imposed under the constitution, the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has himself stressed this point to the government on a number of occasions in the past few months, and we refer to, for example, the statements from the Istana Negara dated 29 July 2021 and 18 August 2021.
As eminent scholars have explained, a constitutional monarch’s discretion under Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) is a “controlled discretion” because “no discretion can be absolute and must be exercised within the parameters of the law and conventions.” (Faruqi 2020, p. 6).
Second, is Tan Sri Idrus Harun refuting the power and authority of the Dewan Rakyat under the Constitution and established principles of democracy to make and unmake Government through, among others motions of confidence and no confidence?
Even the Federal Court in Nizar v Zambry agreed with the view expressed by Raus Sharif JCA (as he then was) in the appellate court that while a constitutional monarch may rely on external evidence apart from a vote in the legislative body to determine the question of confidence, “actual voting in the [legislative body] is ideal” ( Dato’ Seri Ir Hj Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin v Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry bin Abdul Kadir (Attorney General, intervener) [2010] 2 MLJ 285, at 307 [47 – 48]). It is abundantly clear from the Istana Negara’s statement of 18 August 2021 that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was deeply cognizant of this fact and of the constitutional role of Parliament, as he explicitly advised that the new Prime Minister “must as soon as possible bring a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat to confirm/verify that he has the confidence of a majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat”.
Third, by trying to frame Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s appointment as Prime Minister as an exercise of the Agong’s “absolute power” that cannot be subject to a vote of confidence, is Tan Sri Idrus Harun in fact taking the position that the Agong’s advice in the statement of 18 August 2021 was unconstitutional or should not to be followed?
Fourth, is Tan Sri Idrus Harun refuting the basic principle of parliamentary democracy captured in the spirit if not the words of Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)-(4) that the Prime Minister’s obligation to retain the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat is a continuing obligation throughout his/her term of office?
And therefore, the Dewan Rakyat equally retains the power and authority to express confidence or loss of confidence in the Prime Minister during his/her term of office? In other words, any future move by the members of the Dewan Rakyat to test the confidence in the Prime Minister whether during the sittings in September, October, November or December have absolutely nothing to do with the Agong’s appointment of the Prime Minister in August.
Fifth, by trying to frame Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s appointment as Prime Minister as an exercise of the Agong’s “absolute power” that cannot be subject to a vote of confidence, is Tan Sri Idrus Harun attempting to set the stage to suppress legitimate expression of opinion and action that may be taken on the matter?
While we await the AG’s response, we are acutely aware that under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 and its Standing Orders, the Dewan Rakyat has the ability to call or summon any person before them, which should include the Attorney General, to answer questions and clarify their position on matters that threaten or call into question the powers, rights and privileges of the House.
The AG's indefensible position on Malaysia's governmental system - that the monarchy is absolute instead of constitutional - calls into question his suitability and tenability for the office. Such high-level fundamental confusion will inevitably pose unnecessary obstacles and distractions to the government's legislative and governance agenda.
This statement is initiated by the Seed Community for a Professional Parliament, a network of individuals active in civil society organisations, think tanks and academia working towards a professional Parliament that facilitates healthy policy competition between parties.
Signed by:
1. Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)
2. Bait Al-Amanah
3. Persatuan Pengundi Muda (UNDI18)
4. ENGAGE
5. REFORM
6. IDEAS
Kenyataan Media
Mon Sep 06 2021
![Is the AG refuting the constitutional power and authority of the Dewan Rakyat? Is the AG refuting the constitutional power and authority of the Dewan Rakyat?](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-08/51630337442_PerdanaMenteri.jpg)
Idrus Harun's conclusions goes against the spirit and letter of Malaysias constitutional democracy. Ismail Sabri is seen here announcing the new Cabinet line-up. - BERNAMA
AWANI 7:45 [16/07/2024] - Suspek dibawa ke lokasi | Selamat tinggal rakyat Malaysia | Harimau Malaya hilang taring?
- Polis sahkan suspek bunuh Kartini anggota polis.
- Pan-Gon enggan dedah punca letak jawatan.
- Faisal Halim sedih mentor Pan-Gon undur diri.
- Pakai reben putih di Parlimen, tak salah.
- Pan-Gon enggan dedah punca letak jawatan.
- Faisal Halim sedih mentor Pan-Gon undur diri.
- Pakai reben putih di Parlimen, tak salah.
![E-sukan harus dijadikan kepentingan sehingga ke peringkat lebih tinggi E-sukan harus dijadikan kepentingan sehingga ke peringkat lebih tinggi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/61721128633_MohdHidayatMohdSa.jpg)
E-sukan harus dijadikan kepentingan sehingga ke peringkat lebih tinggi
Kerajaan juga harus wujudkan sebuah dasar yang jelas supaya kepentingan e-sukan ini mampu diperkembangkan ke masa hadapan.
![Kerajaan pandang serius penularan ideologi liberalism, pluralism Kerajaan pandang serius penularan ideologi liberalism, pluralism](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/61721122322_ZulkifliHasan.jpg)
Kerajaan pandang serius penularan ideologi liberalism, pluralism
Kerajaan sentiasa memandang serius terhadap penularan ideologi dan aliran pemikiran yang bercanggah dengan ajaran Islam seperti ideologi liberalism dan pluralism agama.
![Tidak dapat tidak, atlet RTG mesti bawa pulang emas - MOM Tidak dapat tidak, atlet RTG mesti bawa pulang emas - MOM](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/61710754100_MohdNazifuddinNaji.jpg)
Tidak dapat tidak, atlet RTG mesti bawa pulang emas - MOM
Atlet di bawah projek Road To Gold (RTG) tidak mempunyai pilihan selain memenangi emas yang diidam-idamkan Malaysia pada Sukan Olimpik 2024 di Paris.
![KEDA peruntuk RM3.37 juta tahun ini bagi keterjaminan makanan KEDA peruntuk RM3.37 juta tahun ini bagi keterjaminan makanan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-09/41693913999_RubiahWang.jpg)
KEDA peruntuk RM3.37 juta tahun ini bagi keterjaminan makanan
Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Kedah (KEDA) memperuntukkan RM3.37 juta pada tahun ini bagi memastikan keterjaminan makanan negara.
![Dewan Rakyat lulus RUU Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia Dewan Rakyat lulus RUU Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41721021538_TBSHAMSUL.jpg)
Dewan Rakyat lulus RUU Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia
Rang Undang-Undang Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia 2024 yang bertujuan menubuhkan MCBA diluluskan persidangan Dewan Rakyat, hari ini.
![PAC akan mulakan prosiding isu dibangkit LKAN Siri 2/2024 PAC akan mulakan prosiding isu dibangkit LKAN Siri 2/2024](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/61710922383_MasErmieyatiSamsud.jpg)
PAC akan mulakan prosiding isu dibangkit LKAN Siri 2/2024
Jawatankuasa Kira-Kira Wang Negara (PAC) akan memulakan prosiding bagi empat isu yang dibangkitkan dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara (LKAN) Siri 2/2024.
AWANI Ringkas: Kes bunuh Nur Farah Kartini | Skandal LCS
Ikuti rangkuman berita utama yang menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari di Astro AWANI menerusi AWANI Ringkas.
ADUN Rembia sertai Pas, kenapa tak umum tahun lepas? - MP Kampar
Chong Zhemin, tindakan tersebut seolah-olah satu penghinaan paling besar kepada Parlimen yang telah meluluskan pindaan Perlembagaan Persekutuan berkait Akta Antilompat Parti.
Masuk Pas untuk sama-sama susah dengan rakyat - ADUN Rembia
Muhamad Jailani berkata, sebelum ini beliau pernah menghantar surat kepada Lembaga Disiplin UMNO memohon untuk memecat keahliannya daripada parti Melayu itu.
![AGC bantah permohonan Syed Saddiq berhubung pemberhentian peruntukan Parlimen Muar AGC bantah permohonan Syed Saddiq berhubung pemberhentian peruntukan Parlimen Muar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-11/61699455072_TBJABATANPEGUAMNE.jpg)
AGC bantah permohonan Syed Saddiq berhubung pemberhentian peruntukan Parlimen Muar
Jabatan Peguam Negara akan membantah permohonan kebenaran semakan kehakiman difailkan Ahli Parlimen Muar Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman serta tiga pihak lain.
![Tempoh kuarantin bagi pengembara dikurangkan lima hari - Khairy Tempoh kuarantin bagi pengembara dikurangkan lima hari - Khairy](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-01/81642672231_TBKJ.jpg)
Tempoh kuarantin bagi pengembara dikurangkan lima hari - Khairy
Ujian pengesanan COVID-19 RT-PCR perlu dijalankan dua hari sebelum berlepas dengan keputusan negatif COVID-19.
![Neelofa, PU Riz tidak dikenakan tuduhan rentas negeri - Pejabat Peguam Negara Neelofa, PU Riz tidak dikenakan tuduhan rentas negeri - Pejabat Peguam Negara](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-05/61621594894_NoorNeelofaMuhamm.jpg)
Neelofa, PU Riz tidak dikenakan tuduhan rentas negeri - Pejabat Peguam Negara
Pejabat Peguam Negara membuat keputusan tidak mengenakan tuduhan rentas negeri terhadap pasangan selebriti, Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor dan suaminya, Muhamad Haris Mohd Ismail atau PU Riz.
![Memoir Thomas: Azalina gesa peranan AG dan pendakwa raya dipisahkan Memoir Thomas: Azalina gesa peranan AG dan pendakwa raya dipisahkan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-11/71604385719_AzalinaOthman.jpg)
Memoir Thomas: Azalina gesa peranan AG dan pendakwa raya dipisahkan
Azalina berkata kuasa pendakwaan menjadikan Peguam Negara antara individu paling berkuasa di Malaysia.
![Badan kehakiman wajib dilihat bebas, tidak dipengaruhi - Penganalisis Badan kehakiman wajib dilihat bebas, tidak dipengaruhi - Penganalisis](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2018-05/41527073002_mujibu.jpg)
Badan kehakiman wajib dilihat bebas, tidak dipengaruhi - Penganalisis
Pelantikan Peguam Negara yang diamalkan sebelum ini memberi persepsi bahawa ada perana Perdana Menteri di dalamnya.
![Najib akan failkan saman fitnah terhadap Tommy Thomas, penerbit - Peguam Najib akan failkan saman fitnah terhadap Tommy Thomas, penerbit - Peguam](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-01/51609928323_MahkamahTinggi.jpg)
Najib akan failkan saman fitnah terhadap Tommy Thomas, penerbit - Peguam
Perkara itu disahkan oleh peguam bekas perdana menteri Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.
![Wilayah Victoria catat penurunan kes COVID-19 Wilayah Victoria catat penurunan kes COVID-19](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2017-12/81513848926_melbourne.jpg)
Wilayah Victoria catat penurunan kes COVID-19
Brett bagaimanapun berkata, penularan wabak itu mungkin akan bertambah buruk tidak dibendung.
![Inkues Adib: Tiada siapa bangkitkan isu Syazlin sebelum ini - Zuraida Inkues Adib: Tiada siapa bangkitkan isu Syazlin sebelum ini - Zuraida](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2018-12/61543725687_ZuraidaKamaruddin.jpg)
Inkues Adib: Tiada siapa bangkitkan isu Syazlin sebelum ini - Zuraida
Tiada pihak yang mempertikaikan pelantikan peguam Syazlin Mansor sebelum ini dalam inkues kematian anggota bomba Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.
![Masuk campur kes Adib: Pembangkang desak AG letak jawatan Masuk campur kes Adib: Pembangkang desak AG letak jawatan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2019-05/71559109791_pembangkangAG.jpg)
Masuk campur kes Adib: Pembangkang desak AG letak jawatan
Ketua pembangkang, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata pihaknya turut mendesak supaya Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad memecat Tommy.
![Ismail Sabri desak AG letak jawatan Ismail Sabri desak AG letak jawatan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2019-04/51554956842_DATUKSERIISMAILSA.jpg)
Ismail Sabri desak AG letak jawatan
Naib Presiden UMNO itu berkata, banyak pihak terkejut apabila Tommy mengumumkan kos guaman kes kapal mewah Equanimity berjumlah RM2 juta daripada keseluruhan kos berjumlah RM15.5 juta.