Najib rejects 'Council of Elders'

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, described the establishment of a special council to oversee a leader as undemocratic and contrary to the constitution, which is based on democratic principles.

"If there is a body that can control an elected leader, then we will start to deviate from the democratic system which has been the backbone of the security and development of our country," said Najib in his blog NajibRazak.com.

He said, as a democratic country, leaders in executive bodies are chosen through party elections and general elections.

Najib said these leaders hold positions in the government to serve the people and the country and are responsible for the mandate given.

He also stressed that people, regardless of their position, must uphold the rule of law.

"As a leader, I am responsible for maintaining the third Rukun Negara with all my power," he added.

Former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had recently proposed the establishment of the 'Council of Elders' to advise the prime minister.

Dr Mahathir claimed that the current system allows the prime minister to choose Cabinet line-ups from only MPs who support him.