From: uc580503%UMCVMB.bitnet@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu (Albert Foo)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.asean
Subject: NO MORE IMMUNITY FOR SULTANS! (Newsbrief)
Date: 28 Jan 1993 01:04:44 -0600
Organization: MU Information Center, USA.
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu


Hi all Malaysians!  I got an article that might be interesting
with all these discussions around the Sultans/Agong or
what have you.. :)  Anyway, enjoy!

** Begin text **
    Article:         23.4.1.M
    Archive-number:  2.1.22.1
    Distribution:    Local!soc.culture.asean%usenet!netnews


    WHEN A RULER IS NOT IMMUNE (The Malay Mail, Jan 11 1993)

    By Faridah Yaacob

    Rulers who abuse the law when acting in their personal
    capacity will lose their immunity and can be prosecuted in
    Court. This is the essence of one of three proposed
    constitutional amendments to be tabled in the Dewan rakyat at
    a special sitting. The contents of the amendments were
    discussed yesterday by the Umno Supreme Council.

    Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad who outlined the
    amendments to reporters after the meeting said, however, that
    the immunity would continue to prevail in the course of their
    official duties as Rulers. "The Rulers will have immunity when
    essenting to laws or (discharging) other duties on behalf of
    the Government." said Dr Mahathir who is Umno President.

    "But if they beat up people or do something unto others or
    fail to settle their debts, they can be prosecuted in court."

    The second amendment calls for a provision in the Sedition Act
    1948 (Amendment 1970) to allow Parliament and state Assemblies
    to debate issues related to Royalty, though what is said may
    be damaging to the image of Rulers.  Presently this is
    restricted under the Sedition Act.

    Dr. Mahathir said the issues discussed by MPs and State
    Assemblymen at sittings could be reported in the media.
    However. he cautioned that the amendment will still render
    seditious any suggestion to abolish constitutional monarchy.

    The third amendment. which is related to the pardons by
    Rulers, states that a Ruler who has committed a wrongdoing,
    and who chairs the pardons committee will be referred to the
    Conference of Rulers.

    If the wrongdoing is committed by a family member of the
    particular Ruler, the power to pardon will pass onto any other
    Ruler chosen by the Conference of Rulers.  "In the case where
    the Governor is involved, the power to pardon will be
    transferred to the Chief Minister. If it involves the family
    of the Governor, the Chief Minister will advise the Governor."
    said Dr. Mahathir.

    The Prime Minister said the amendments will be debated in both
    Houses of Parliament even if the Conference of Rulers which
    meets on Jan 16 rejects the proposal.  The Dewan rakyat will
    sit on Jan 18 and 19 and the Dewan Negara on Jan 20.

** end text

My comments:  I think Mahathir is doing the right thing by trying to
              remove the immunity law against the royals.  I guess most
              Malaysians are tired with their misbehavior and "above the
              law" priviledge.  If there is a general public poll for
              this issue in Malaysia, I would vote for NO for immunity.
              Any comments?


********************************************************************
Albert Foo                       |  Sunday January 31st. 1993
MU Information Center, Columbia. | XXVII    S U P E R B O W L  !!
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