Don’t cross the line in politics, rulers reminded
(TMI) – As Malay rulers increasingly speak up on the country’s politics, speakers at a forum today said they should be careful not to directly interfere in the governing of the country.
Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said the only democracy Malaysians wanted was one in which the country’s leaders could be held accountable.
“As far as I am concerned, those who are elected must have accountability and do what the voters want. Let us keep it to that. That is the democracy we want to fight for.
“Go ahead, they (the rulers) can give their opinion, but let’s draw a line,” said Maria at the Malaysia Freedom Summit 2015 in Petaling Jaya.
Associate law professor Dr Azmi Sharom said that while the law does not prevent sultans from weighing in on politics, it was not appropriate for them to intervene as they are “untouchable”.
“Malaysians have to realise that those are their (the rulers’) views, and they should not directly take part in politics because they cannot be voted out.
“It’s not appropriate for someone whom we have no power over to have a role that is too big in politics, because they are untouchable.”
