Sultan vows to challenge purported installation
Published: Sep 12, 2010 9:36 AM | Updated: Sep 12, 2010 12:52 PM
The Sultan of Kelantan, Tuanku Ismail Petra Sultan Yahya Petra, said through his lawyers today that he will challenge the installation of the regent as the new sultan amidst reports that a proclamation ceremony will be held tomorrow.
The Sultan of Kelantan, Tuanku Ismail Petra Sultan Yahya Petra, said through his lawyers today that he will challenge the installation of the regent as the new sultan amidst reports that a proclamation ceremony will be held tomorrow.
According to a rare press statement by lawyer Rashid Zulkifli, who said his law firm is acting on behalf of Tuanku Ismail Petra, the sultan has filed two petitions to the Federal Court.
Rashid said that court had been asked to determine the extent of the power of the regent during the incapacity of the sultan.
Utusan Malaysia has reported last Friday that according to its sources, Tengku Muhammad Faris will be proclaimed as the new Kelantan sultan to succeed his father, who has been ill for over a year.
Rashid also said that regent Tengku Muhammad Faris (left) is planning to amend the state constitution so that the sultan would cease to be ruler if he remains incapacitated for a period of more than one year.
“In view of the pending issue before the Federal Court, it seems to us that it is not proper or lawful for the regent to pre-empt the decision of the court ... by arrogating to himself the power of the sultan...
“We are taking this extraordinary measure of writing to the press in view of the great urgency created by the Utusan report so as to make aware the sultan’s position,” said Rashid.
He warned that the attempt to amend the state constitution may open the regent to “a charge of interference with the course of justice and to contempt of proceedings”.
“Needless to say, any such amendment, and installation, if proceeded with will be challenged as to its validity by His Royal Highness the Sultan,” said Rashid.
Sultan still ailing
The Kelantan palace intrigues began when Sultan Ismail Petra suffered a stroke in May 2009.
While in recovery, Tengku Muhammad Faris was appointed Kelantan regent, and was subsequently embroiled in a tussle for the throne with his younger brother, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry.
Sultan Ismail Petra had spent almost one year at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore before returning to Kota Bharu in March this year.
However, he went back to the Singapore hospital for follow-up treatment two months ago.
According to a rare press statement by lawyer Rashid Zulkifli, who said his law firm is acting on behalf of Tuanku Ismail Petra, the sultan has filed two petitions to the Federal Court.
Rashid said that court had been asked to determine the extent of the power of the regent during the incapacity of the sultan.
Utusan Malaysia has reported last Friday that according to its sources, Tengku Muhammad Faris will be proclaimed as the new Kelantan sultan to succeed his father, who has been ill for over a year.
Rashid also said that regent Tengku Muhammad Faris (left) is planning to amend the state constitution so that the sultan would cease to be ruler if he remains incapacitated for a period of more than one year.“In view of the pending issue before the Federal Court, it seems to us that it is not proper or lawful for the regent to pre-empt the decision of the court ... by arrogating to himself the power of the sultan...
“We are taking this extraordinary measure of writing to the press in view of the great urgency created by the Utusan report so as to make aware the sultan’s position,” said Rashid.
He warned that the attempt to amend the state constitution may open the regent to “a charge of interference with the course of justice and to contempt of proceedings”.
“Needless to say, any such amendment, and installation, if proceeded with will be challenged as to its validity by His Royal Highness the Sultan,” said Rashid.
Sultan still ailing
The Kelantan palace intrigues began when Sultan Ismail Petra suffered a stroke in May 2009.
While in recovery, Tengku Muhammad Faris was appointed Kelantan regent, and was subsequently embroiled in a tussle for the throne with his younger brother, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry. Sultan Ismail Petra had spent almost one year at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore before returning to Kota Bharu in March this year.
However, he went back to the Singapore hospital for follow-up treatment two months ago.
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