DAP Policy Chief Faces Backlash Over Royal Decree Comments Amid Sultan's Rukun Negara Call

DAP Leader Sparks Controversy Over Sultan's Decrees

A senior leader from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has sparked significant backlash on social media after stating that decrees issued by sultans have no place in the constitution, emphasizing that they limit the powers of Malay rulers to specific roles. Tony Pua, who was appointed as the policy adviser to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke in 2022, made these remarks just hours after the Sultan of Selangor reminded elected politicians in the state about the Rukun Negara principle of loyalty to the royal institution.

Pua clarified that Malay rulers are constitutional monarchs whose powers are limited to matters related to Malay customs, Islam, and constitutional roles such as appointing the menteri besar and dissolving state assemblies. His comments were seen as defending the party's assemblyman for Seri Kembangan, Wong Siew Ki, and former state executive councillor Ronnie Liu.

The Sultan of Selangor, Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had specifically highlighted Wong and Liu, urging all elected representatives in the state to refresh their understanding of the Rukun Negara by frequently visiting Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam, where a Rukun Negara Monument Plaque lists the five national principles. He suggested that all state assemblymen should pay fortnightly visits to the square, while Wong and Liu should visit once a week "to understand and appreciate the meaning of the Rukun Negara so that they become citizens who know how to respect the sovereignty of the royal institution and uphold decency and good behaviour."

This came after the sultan issued a decree earlier this year to end pig farming across the state due to public complaints about environmental pollution. Instead, he proposed importing pork to meet the needs of the non-Muslim community. Wong Siew Ki, however, suggested on April 22 that pig farming could continue with modern methods. Following this, on May 7, the sultan issued a royal decree urging an end to the debate on pig farming activities, reiterating his call for an end to the pig industry in the state.

Liu, who had previously questioned the Selangor DAP leadership for not opposing the ban on pig farming, urged pig farmers to file a judicial review, claiming their rights are protected by the Federal Constitution. These remarks led to angry reactions from Malay leaders across the political spectrum, culminating in a large rally in Shah Alam organized by Perikatan Nasional and Malay groups to show solidarity with the sultan.

While Liu appeared to welcome the sultan's reminder by thanking the monarch "with utmost humility and high respect," Pua argued that the country's system does not allow a monarch to "issue binding decrees which legislate all aspects of our lives." He emphasized that Parliament and state assemblies, composed of representatives elected by the people, are responsible for making laws and rulings.

Pua's comments triggered a flood of reactions on his Facebook page, with many accusing him of disrespecting the royal institution. DAP supporters defended Pua, with some users expressing frustration over what they perceived as selective adherence to the Rukun Negara. One user wrote, "This kind of insinuation is quite rude towards the Malay rulers." Another user commented, "Loyalty to King and Country suddenly becomes optional when royal views don’t align with certain political narratives... royal decrees carry significant moral and national weight."

Some critics pointed out the inconsistency in Pua's stance, with one user writing, "Constitutional monarchy when Tuanku’s position is inconvenient, but constitutional wisdom when the Madani government was formed after GE15. Very flexible principles. Truly Olympic-level constitutional gymnastics." Another user added, "The limitations of Sultan's rights seem familiar to the British and Japanese occupation era. It's not so now. Sultan exercises a critical check-and-balance role through his constitutional right to advise, caution, and grant royal assent to state policies."

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