PUTRAJAYA: Everyone, including administrators and Rulers, have to abide by the laws because this is important in the ongoing process of rehabilitating the country, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
The Prime Minister, in reminding about the Rule of Law principle of the Rukun Negara, said non-compliance with the laws can lead to chaos and make the recovery process difficult.
“We have to abide by the laws in everything that we do. The Prime Minister or the Rulers, ministers or administrative officers, the police or military must abide by the laws in their every action. Not going by the rules can cause chaos in our country.
“This is of utmost importance because we are trying to revive the government of this country. If we are not guided by the laws, then the recovery will not happen,” he said in his address at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department at Dataran Perdana here.
Dr Mahathir said the government needed noble laws and those which uphold justice and do not put pressure on or marginalise anyone.
Dr Mahathir said no one can do whatever he or she pleases just because he or she has the power, even if that person is the Ruler or the administrator.
He said a civilised nation accepts laws and regulations for its survival and development.
"We know we are a civilised nation. Civilised people do not act without laws and regulations. If we do not recognise the rules or laws, then we cannot claim that we are a civilised nation," he said.
Dr Mahathir said that although Malaysia is a democratic country, it is of utmost importance for everyone to abide by the laws which protect the people, the Rulers and the administration.
He said laws that really protect everyone should be allowed to exist and put into practice.
"The law should be fair to all. Any law that suppresses the people or makes them uneasy should be reviewed and, if it is unjust, should be repealed or amended,” he said.
"In our country, there are many authorities. The Rulers have power, but that power is limited by the laws of the country. Although the government is given powers, it cannot use this authority arbitrarily, and it must be exercised in accordance with the law," he said.
Dr Mahathir said there is a separation of powers in the country, into three, namely the legislative, executive and judiciary, which is a priority in a democratic country and no one side can be in power without regard for the others.
"If something contrary to the law takes place, a judge will determine whether it is so. Judges have nothing to fear when discharging their duty fairly," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Parliament will screen the candidates in the appointment of judges and for certain other posts before submitting the names to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.