Johor sultan’s views won’t influence constitutional monarchy principle

Every view and proposal can be discussed without ignoring the Federal Constitution, parliamentary democracy, and constitutional monarchy, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said this included Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s suggestion that more responsibilities be given to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, including direct oversight of MACC and Petronas.

“We can discuss it but the principles of the Constitution, parliamentary democracy, and constitutional monarchy will be defended.

“So there shouldn’t be any concerns over any statements and views, including from the Sultan of Johor. These views can be taken up for discussions but will not influence national policies and our principle of constitutional monarchy,” he said.

Anwar told reporters this after launching the exhibition ‘A Journey through Islamic Art’ and ‘Alif Lam Ra: Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy’ in conjunction with the 25th-anniversary celebration of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur last night.

He was commenting on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement which seemed to express disagreement with Sultan Ibrahim’s suggestion regarding MACC and Petronas.

Anwar said he had no problems with the views expressed by Mahathir.

“He (Mahathir) was just expressing his views, and we (can) discuss. To me, it is not a problem. His views will not undermine the Constitution of our country,” he said.