Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor was very disappointed with the action of PKR and DAP in disobeying the royal decree requiring the three Pakatan Rakyat parties to submit more than two names for the state's menteri besar post and instead, nominated only PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. A palace statement signed by the Sultan's private secretary even described the action as insolent and tantamount to contempt of royalty. It made the Selangor political situation grimmer and more complicated, leading to a greater crisis.
The strong reaction from the Sultan has also brought enormous pressure to the PKR and DAP. It seems that the odd for Wan Azizah to serve as the state's menteri besar is reducing and the two parties must re-examine the latest situation and carefully consider their next step.
The key is, would PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Inrahim choose to compromise, or take other options?
The DAP is now in an awkward position. Should it obey the decree, or continue to keep the same pace as the PKR? It is apparently a dilemma.
The traditional concept of "royal decree must be obeyed" has been deep rooted in the Malay community. In the face of such reality, the PKR and DAP must measure the consequences and prices of disobeying the decree, and what would happen if they obey it.
If they choose to obey the decree and submit three names for the menteri besar post, the PKR and DAP must first address a thorny problem: should they nominate PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali? If they nominate Azmin Ali, what would be the consequences? And what would happen if they do not nominate him?
Regardless of the choice, the ultimate result might not be what the PKR and DAP wished.
The first possibility is, Azmin is chosen and it might lead the PKR into another quagmire of infighting.
The second possibility is, Azmin is displeased for not being nominated and sets off a protest wave within the party. Once it happens, factional fighting will continue, harming not only the PKR, but also Pakatan Rakyat.
It was rumoured that someone in the PKR suggested that two more names "not likely to be chosen for the post" should be submitted in addition to Wan Azizah to ensure Wan Azizah, who is more experienced, is selected. However, it could just be a wishful thinking. They should not forget that the Sultan is having another option, namely to choose one among the three names submitted by PAS for the post. If it happens, how should the PKR and DAP respond?
Theoretically, according to the state constitution, the PKR and DAP could have a vote of no confidence against the new menteri besar, but it would be tantamount to openly denying the candidate chosen by the Sultan, and might be accused of "openly confronting the palace" and " lese majesty" by Malay community's conservatives. It would not be a trivial matter and thus, the two parties must carefully consider their actions, or it could cost them a greater political price.
If the stalemate continues, the Sultan might announce the dissolution of the state assembly for an election. However, it is a move of wasting resources and if Pakatan Rakyat wins the state election, the memteri besar candidate problem will resume and might even trigger another round of crisis.
The Selangor Menteri Besar crisis has exposed many weaknesses in our democratic system, while making democracy a laughingstock. It is the result of refusing to compromise. What is the true meaning of democracy? Should there be only competition for interests without the slightest room for compromise? It is a question that must be calmly and rationally studied while the crisis is still growing! -Mysinchew
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