‘RULE OF LAW IMPORTANT FOR NATION’S RECOVERY PROCESS’
Non-compliance will lead to chaos, says Dr Mahathir
EVERYONE, including administrators and rulers, have to abide by the law because it is important in the process of rehabilitating the country, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday.
Dr Mahathir, in reminding that the principle of rule of law was in the Rukun Negara, said non-compliance with the law could lead to chaos and make the recovery process difficult.
“We have to abide by the law in everything that we do. The prime minister or the rulers, ministers or administrative officers, the police or military must abide by the law in their every action. Not going by the rules can cause chaos.
“This is of the utmost importance because we are trying to revive the government of this country. If we are not guided by law, then the recovery will not happen,” he said 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 upheld justice and did not put pressure on, or marginalised anyone.
He said no one could do whatever they pleased just because they had the power, even if they are the ruler or the administrator.
He said a civilised nation accepted 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 although Malaysia was a democratic country, it was important for everyone to abide by the law which protected the people, the rulers and the administration.
He said laws that protected everyone should be allowed to exist and put into practice.
“The law should be fair to all. Any law that oppresses the people or makes them uneasy should be reviewed and, if it is unjust, should be repealed or amended.
“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 its authority arbitrarily, and it must be exercised in accordance with the law.”
He said there was a separation of powers in the country, namely the legislative, executive and judiciary, which is important in a democratic country. No one side could 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 the Parliament would screen candidates for judges and for other posts before submitting the names to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.