Will Malaysia someday turn republic?

Will Malaysia, governed as a constitutional monarchy, return power to the people, allowing them to choose their prime minister through direct elections as in the United States?

The likelihood of this happening is nil, for the suggestion by Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) was instantly shot down by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said that the prime minister will continue to be chosen from the party that wins the majority of parliamentary seats in a general election.

Nazri said the appointment is endorsed by the King, as enshrined in the federal constitution drawn up 51 years ago.

"Besides, this is a parliamentary democracy that has been practised in the United Kingdom for hundreds of years," said Nazri.

He added that the people are mature enough and "know how to choose the prime minister" by giving a mandate to the party they support.

"The appointment is not made through objective decisions. The existing system has ensured peace and harmony in the country," claimed Nazri.

Gobind however was not convinced, saying that premier-in-waiting Najib Abdul Razak is "mired in controversy and that "he has lost his credibility".

"If this matter is related to the people, how can you assure us that the next prime minister is free from scandals or serious crimes such as the Altantuya (Shaariibuu) murder?" asked Gobind.

He pointed out that Najib (right) has never been investigated even though the investigating officer into the murder, Gan Tack Guan, has admitted that Najib is an important witness.

Nazri brushed off Gobind’s allegations, describing these as mere "speculation" because "one is not guilty when he is not charged in court".

Nazri said the King has the power to appoint any prime minister and "if the King chooses to appoint Pekan MP (Najib) as the next leader, it is not up to us to question it".

Gobind stood up to protest and cited a Standing Order to deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee as he accused Nazri of "giving misleading statements to the House" by describing the issue as "speculation".

His protest was however rejected.

Tempers continued to flare when Nazri accused the opposition of wanting to replace the monarchy by "championing ketuanan rakyat" (people supremacy) rather than ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy).

The minister was replying a supplementary question by Mohd Nor Othman (BN-Hulu Terengganu).

At this point, several opposition MPs including Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS-Shah Alam, left) stood up and cited a Standing Order to demand action against Nazri for his "misleading statement".

"He has confused the House. We never said we wanted to replace the King. The statement is misleading and this is a very wild accusation... We only said the system could be (changed) in line with the constitution," Khalid said.

Nazri, who appeared calm, explained that ketuanan Melayu was never meant to imply that the Malay race is superior to other races, but rather it meant that the Malay sultans are heads of the states.

"That is why I hope that we do not question their power when a prime minister is chosen directly. (And we stick to) our system (where) the King appoints a prime minister," said Nazri.

This explanation only served to further irritate Gobind, who later cited another Standing Order as he repeatedly accused Nazri of inciting hatred towards the opposition.

"He said that we wanted to replace the King, that’s seditious! I want a ruling against him!" said Gobind, whose demand was again rejected.

"If you want to rebut him, you can do so during the debate session," said Kiandee.