Constitutional Monarchy Complements Parliamentary Democracy System

By Siti Baaqiah Mamat

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- The principles of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy are complementary systems that ensure political stability, a balance of power and the continued safeguarding of the people’s interests in the country.

Selangor Royal Council member Datuk Salehuddin Saidin said Malaysia’s system shows that the monarchy is not merely symbolic or ceremonial, but is central to the country’s system of administration and governance.

He said the Federal Constitution provides that executive authority of the Federation is vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the supreme head of state, and is then exercised by the Cabinet and the Prime Minister in accordance with Article 39 of the Federal Constitution.

“Many see the role of the monarchy as merely ceremonial, whereas the Constitution clearly indicates that the institution carries significant responsibility in ensuring the smooth functioning of the country’s administration,” he told Bernama.

He said the concept of parliamentary democracy allows the people to elect their leaders through a democratic process, while the monarchy acts as a check and balance on government actions.

Salehuddin asserted that the role of the monarchy is not limited to appointing the Prime Minister, Mentris Besar or dissolving Parliament and state legislative assemblies, but also includes safeguarding national unity and harmony.

“In matters involving the interests of the people, social unity and national stability, the monarch’s voice and counsel are crucial in ensuring the government consistently takes the people’s welfare into account,” he said.

He said that although the Yang di-Pertuan Agong acts on advice as provided under Article 40 of the Federal Constitution, the monarchy still has a responsibility to advise and caution the government in the interests of the people.

He said that in certain situations, such as racial tensions or issues that could jeopardise social harmony, the monarchy plays a key role in easing tensions and ensuring the government takes appropriate action.

“Monarchs do not serve the interests of any single community, but instead stand above all and represent everyone regardless of background, ensuring that peace in the country is maintained,” he said.

He said the monarchy’s constitutional significance is also reflected in Article 159(5) of the Federal Constitution, which requires the consent of the Conference of Rulers for any amendments to certain key provisions of the Constitution.

According to Salehuddin the existence of such provisions shows that the monarchy is pivotal in safeguarding the country’s core foundations and is not merely a “rubber stamp”.

On the country’s political situation, he said the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong became evident when Malaysia faced a hung Parliament after the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said His Majesty’s wise counsel in advising the formation of a unity government helped ensure political stability and the continuity of government administration.

He also highlighted that the people must understand the history behind the formation of the Federal Constitution, including the position of the monarchy, the Malay language, Islam as the religion of the Federation, and the special rights of Malays and Bumiputera, which were shaped through the understanding reached among the various communities before independence.

Salehuddin said understanding the country’s history and founding principles is key to ensuring that people continue to respect the rule of law, the monarchy and the spirit of national unity.

Meanwhile, he proposed that education on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara principles be strengthened in schools to improve young people’s understanding of the country’s history and Malaysia’s system of governance.

In addition, Salehuddin proposed that new civil servants be given dedicated training and exposure on the Federal Constitution, national history, the Rukun Negara principles and the role of the monarchy before starting service in the public sector.

He said the move is important to ensure all civil servants understand their responsibility to uphold the country’s system of governance, while fostering patriotism and respect for the monarchy as a symbol of unity for the people and the nation.

“Civil servants are part of the government’s administrative machinery. As such, they must understand the foundations of nation-building, respect the rule of law, and uphold the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, which form the core of the country’s system of governance,” he added.

-- BERNAMA