​​​​​​​TOWARDS the end of July, a constitutional debate was raging about whether the Cabinet can revoke Emergency Ordinances promulgated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 150(2B). The debate was triggered by some political events whose effect will reverberate in constitutional annals for a long time.

THE much-awaited reconvening of the Dewan Rakyat materialised on Monday after a seven-month break since its last meeting on Dec 17, 2020. However, not much should be expected from this session as it is a special meeting under Standing Order 11(3) of the Dewan Rakyat, which permits the Prime Minister to choose the business to be transacted.

OUR Constitution has invested the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with vast powers and functions in the executive, legislative and judicial fields and in relation to Islam.

It will not be appropriate to view the Constitution as if its waters have not been enriched by fresh flows.

MR President, when you were contesting the US presidency last year, many Malaysians hoped for your political triumph because that would end the shame your predecessor had brought to the presidency. Your victory gave hope that America was at the gateway of justice. In the aftermath of your election, some of your words and actions did indeed reflect your decency and humanity.

JULY 2019 to September 2019 was a momentous period for our young citizens because, in response to several youth-led initiatives, the government in Parliament secured passage of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act A1603) to make the following four changes to our electoral laws

NATIONS grow great through harmony and fall into oblivion through discord.

BERSIH 2.0 and the Bar Council organised a webinar last Monday on judicial independence. An incisive and well-researched report was presented and discussed by the panelists.

THE 15th General Election is due in 2023 but the Prime Minister may request it much earlier due to the government’s unstable situation in Parliament. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has an undoubted discretion under the Constitution’s Article 40(2)(b) and Article 55(2) to grant or refuse consent to the early dissolution of Parliament.

It is commendable that the proclamation on Monday comes with a sunset clause and the possibility of an earlier end on the advice of a non-partisan Council.

AS the year and decade come to a close, we thank the Almighty for His many blessings. At the same time, we pray for riddance from the strong turbulence buffeting our nation’s political, legal, social and economic shores.

The Malay Rulers can play a significant role to moderate extremism in all forms and build bridges of understanding.