The constitutional cost of caning
CANING or whipping has been known to the Malayan legal system since 1871 during the days of the British. Presently, about 50 to 60 different criminal offences attract the corporal penalty in statutes like the Penal Code, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Immigration Act, the Arms Act and the Firearms Increased Penalties Act
Attempts to depose Negri’s Ruler
NEGRI Sembilan has a unique elected monarchy. Under Article 7 of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan (1959), the head of the state – the Yang Dipertuan Besar – is elected by the customary ruling chiefs (called Undang) of the four territories of Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau in accordance with the constitution and customs of the state.
Sound basis for national unity
A FEW weeks ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the teaching of the Federal Constitution and history shall be compulsory in all universities beginning this year.
Of superior and subordinate courts
AT its 18th Annual General Meeting on March 14, the Bar Council passed two resolutions about the judiciary. One was related to strengthening judicial independence of subordinate court judges; the other touched on the system of judicial appointments to the superior courts.
Limiting PM’s term to 10 years
THE much-awaited Constitutional (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 to limit the prime minister's tenure to an aggregate of 10 years has been introduced in Parliament. As is to be expected in a democratic process, there is some opposition to the Bill.
Capping the PM’s tenure
One can convincingly argue that time or term limits are a necessary democratic safeguard against authoritarian rule.
Of vacancies and by-elections
Will the sad and untimely death of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin trigger federal and state by-elections?
Unity rooted in the Constitution
IT is heartening to note that the 2025 Global Peace Index ranks Malaysia as the 13th most peaceful country globally and second in South-East Asia after Singapore. This index, produced by the (International) Institute for Economics and Peace, measures peacefulness across three main domains:
Who should have the final say?
Should judges themselves have the final say in the selection of the judiciary?
Judges – law finders or lawmakers?
THE superior courts perform a number of noble and indispensable functions in a society governed by the rule of law. Today's column will deal with only one such function: the judiciary's indirect role in law-making in the field of constitutional law.
Living together in peace and harmony
National Day and Malaysia Day allow us to reflect on how to restore our original vision of a shared destiny.
Is the death penalty still relevant?
THERE is a global debate about the death penalty – its morality and utility, and its clash with evolving conceptions of justice and human rights.
