WIP: incomplete list of constitutional powers granted to the YDAM

(from Facebook chat)

There is lot of room in the constitution for an activist Ruler to drive change. Sadly, we do not have such strong leaders in the CoR - you can quote me and lock me up for saying it. Therefore, the political dynamic for the vast majority of Malaysians has been to lobby the lower and upper houses, and not the CoR directly. But maybe, one day, this will change.

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Objectors said, no, the constitution assigns to the rulers an almost "rubber stamp"-like degree of inefficacy, but I remembered reading otherwise... so I reviewed, briefly:

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... there are a few different loci of contact iirc. Would be fun to make a comprehensive list... just taking a quick gander through now (year 2000 text), actually, some interesting ones:

" (2) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may act in his discretion in the performance of the following functions, that is to say:
(a) the appointment of a Prime Minister; " - TunM got it wrong in his press conference 10 May, then, the Agung can constitutionally withold appointment, on a whim.

"Article 41: Supreme command of armed forces Edit
41. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the Federation." - Mat Sabu ain't got nothing on this...

" Article 42: Power of pardon, etc " - may wield the great Undo Button at his discretion.

" (b) forty members shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
(2) The members to be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be persons who in his opinion have rendered distinguished public service or have achieved distinction in the professions, commerce, industry, agriculture, cultural activities or social service or are representative of racial minorities or are capable of representing the interests of aborigines." - senators! (Noting that parliament may: ” abolish appointed members," as a check-balance.)

" 55. (1) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall from time to time summon Parliament and shall not allow six months to elapse between the last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first meeting in the next session.

(2) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may prorogue or dissolve Parliament." - at whim! Shut down parliamentary proceedings and hold the legislature hostage. (!)

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(Stopping about 50% through, because sleepy...)