King disappointed Emergency Ordinances revoked without his consent

PUTRAJAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed great disappointment with the government’s decision to revoke six Emergency Ordinances without his consent.

In a statement, the King also expressed dismay that the revocation of the ordinances was not presented in Parliament by the government.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said in the statement that Article 150 (2b) read with Article 150 (3) of the Federal Constitution clearly provides that the power to enact and repeal emergency ordinances rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“In this regard, His Majesty expressed disappointment at the July 26 statement in Parliament that the government had revoked all the Emergency Ordinances that the King had announced during the emergency period, although His Majesty had not consented to the revocation," said Ahmad Fadil.

He added that the King also expressed great dismay that his suggestion that the revocation of the Emergency Ordinances be tabled and debated in Parliament was not implemented.

“His Majesty's proposal was agreed upon earlier during a virtual meeting on July 24 with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law Affairs) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun.

“His Majesty stressed that the statement made by the parliament affairs minister on July 26 is not accurate and has confused the members of the Dewan Rakyat,” said Ahmad Fadil.

Ahmad Fadil said the King also said that the government’s application to revoke the Emergency Ordinances on July 21 was done in a hurry and had not gone through Parliament.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong feels that the hasty revocation of the Ordinances and the contradicting and confusing statement made in Parliament does not respect the principles of the rule of law. It is also disrespect towards His Majesty's functions and powers as the head of state, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," he said.

Ahmad Fadil said while the King acts on the advice of Cabinet, His Majesty feels “unconstitutional acts” by the government must be pointed out at.

“His Majesty is aware of the need for him to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, as contained in article 40 (1) of the Federal Constitution.

“However, His Majesty feels as the head of state, he has a duty to reprimand any unconstitutional acts committed by a party.

“This is especially towards those who perform the functions and powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” said Ahmad Fadil.