DISAPPOINTMENT.

This one word describes the sentiment of social media users over the failure of the Conference of Rulers to act on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s pleas relating to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

MACC had approached the rulers twice to tell them that the case involving RM2.6 billion found in Najib Razak’s account was real, and that they should act after Putrajaya curtailed investigations into the scandal.

“Can’t help feeling disappointed with the rulers. After being provided with such alarming evidence, they did nothing. It took us, the rakyat, and a 93-year-old man to go against the kleptocratic government,” said Fauziah Ibrahim on Facebook. ‎

“I am equally disappointed to hear this. The Conference of Rulers really disappoints me,” said Halisah Ashari.

An emotional Mohd Shukri Abdull, who is MACC chief, told the press today that he and his former boss, then chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, had approached the Conference of Rulers twice to act on the 1MDB case, only to be snubbed.

Former Bersih 2.0 deputy chairman Sarajun Hoda on Facebook said if the Conference of Rulers had taken decisive action, “Malaysia would not have slipped down to bankruptcy and lawlessness”.

“Conference of Rulers ought to issue a statement on the allegations made by Shukri as to why they refused to help him on 1MDB?” said Twitter user @MuazFadhli.

Facebook user Ze Lee echoed the sentiment, saying: “Hope they have an explanation for the rakyat.”

Constitutional lawyers have pointed out that in a constitutional monarchy, rulers’ powers are limited to reserve powers or ceremonial duties.

“I do not think that there is anything the Conference of Rulers could have done in the circumstances. They could, at best, issue a statement, which I think they did,” said constitutional lawyer Syahredzan Johan.

Another constitutional lawyer, Abraham Au, said rulers have no power under the constitution to instruct that investigations be reopened, and that “at most, they can give advice, which is not binding”.

However, social media user Mazola Sidhu feels that the rulers should have sided with the people. – May 22, 2018.