KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the statement from Sultan of Johor, who is the Agong-in-waiting, was just a proposal and can be discussed with the government.
Speaking to reporters, Anwar said the separation of powers between the executives and the monarchs will be preserved, pointing out that the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's suggestion would not affect the Federal Constitution.
"I was asked to comment on that statement, and I responded that we can have constructive discussions. However, the principles of parliamentary democracy and the constitution that defined the position of the King remain intact.
"We adhere to these principles, there is no need for concern if there are differences of opinion, including views from His Royal Highness. We can discuss these views, but they will not affect the foundation of our country and our principles regarding constitutional governance," he said.
Anwar was responding on the Sultan Ibrahim's recent suggestion that he wanted the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to report directly to him when he becomes Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Earlier today, former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the separation of powers between executive and the monarch must be preserved for the betterment of the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Mahathir said the sultan's recent suggestion wanting the MACC and Petronas to report directly to him, among others "should not be taken lightly."
In an interview with Singaporean news organisation Straits Times, Sultan Ibrahim said that MACC and Petronas should be answerable to the Royals.
He also pledged to be stern on cracking down graft issues and said that he has an answer to the problem.