Datuk Ahmad Said has sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Terengganu on Sunday (Mar 30) with the support of all 23 state assemblymen, thus putting an end to the mini-crisis over the appointment.
For those who are cheering that the Palace has won the tug-of-war between the Umno central leadership… please think twice of the complications involved.
There are flaws when it comes to appointment of a new MB… it’s a regret that the people would have no final saying of who should be the MB.
Thing is, the people have voted for a particular party to take charge of the state government… and shouldn’t we let that ruling party to decide on who is the best candidate since that the people have given them the mandate?
How is it supposed to be a good thing when the Sultan has veto-like power to defy the governing party’s decision in appointing the MB? How is it supposed to be a good thing when the Sultan has the power to intervene the people’s chosen state government’s decision?
Yes, the Sultan probably doesn’t need to listen to Badawi and central government as long as the new MB is approved by majority of the state assemblymen… but if Pak Lah didn’t give the approval, would the majority Umno assemblymen dare (or want) to defy their political leader in this matter?
And what would happen if Pak Lah and the Umno leaders decided not to back off? Terengganu would have a non-functioning state government continuously isn’t so? And before people start laughing at Pak Lah and Umno, do mind that it’s not them who put up the fire from the very beginning… it’s the special someone.
I am not a big fan of royals, I would admit that. I won’t stop others from worshipping the royals though; it’s their rights, and it’s obvious that some Sultans are popular figures among the public… but when it comes to administrative matters, I am not going to give approval for any of the Sultans to intervene.
By all means, I would be glad if the royals are using their influence for other projects to improve the quality of life of the citizens… but when it comes to governing matters, leave it for democracy.