Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Prof Shad points out that the Deputy in Selangor may have to represent the Menteri Besar when the MB is not around, to attend the Council of Rulers meetings.
The menteri besar is also an ex-officio member of the Dewan Di-Raja (Council of Rulers). This means, when the MB is not around, the deputy has to sit on the council and has to be a Muslim to be able to perform duties in this council.
Well, Teresa Kok’s dream is shattered! Unless become Teresa Abdullah 😆
Deputy MB ‘should be a Muslim’
KUALA LUMPUR: The sultan or head of any state cannot determine the composition of the executive council. niversiti Teknologi Mara senior professor of law Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi said the ruler’s position in the constitution did not allow him to do so.
Shad said the ruler had to follow the advice of his menteri besar. “He can argue, caution or delay but he has to heed the advice of the menteri besar,” he said when asked to comment on the deadlock in Selangor over the composition of the executive council.
Apart from the composition, the appointment of a deputy menteri besar has also become a source of much speculation in Selangor. There is a provision in the state constitution for a deputy menteri besar but it is silent on the religion or race.
However, Shad Faruqi said it could be argued that the deputy menteri besar should be a Malay Muslim.
“The deputy often acts on behalf of the menteri besar. Under the Interpretation Act, all the powers and functions of the primary officer (menteri besar) will be attributable to the acting officer or deputy menteri besar,” he said.
The menteri besar is also an ex-officio member of the Dewan Di-Raja (Council of Rulers). This means, when the MB is not around, the deputy has to sit on the council and has to be a Muslim to be able to perform duties in this council.
excuse!!
If the MB’s role is only a ceremonial one where the palace is concerned, the MB could always deputize one of his muslim exco members to standin in his absence. To kow tow, kiss the ruler’s hand and to baca doa if the imam is not available should not be a big deal to any muslim.
It is already imbued in the Malay psyche to prostrate and do the bidding of the rulers from the time of the Malcacca Sultanate. The fear the ruler would turn murka is also instilled in them from the days of the sultanate.
Other administrative functions of the state can be easily carried out by any intelligent and educated person, even a non-Malay MB. Time to think out of the box.