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In an exclusive interview with Mingguan Malaysia, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the question should also be discussed and decided by the Conference of Rulers.

Personally, he would not ask the people to reinstate the royal immunity, he said.

“If my people feel that I am entitled to it, I will accept it and I will do my best.

“Whatever happens, let the people and the Parliament decide on the matter because it was Parliament that took away the royal immunity.

“In fact, the Malays had brought up the matter then. I will not ask for it back. My duty as the Sultan is to do my best. I took the oath to take very good care of my state and to ensure my people’s well being — that’s my duty,” he said.

The Regent of Negri Sembilan Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar recently called on the immunity to be reinstated so that constitutional monarchy could be restored to its full sovereignty.

Tunku Naquiyuddin had said that if the Ruler were to exercise his duties in a fair, just and impartial manner to protect the Federal Constitution, his sovereignty needed to be protected too.

Sultan Sharafuddin said it might be more appropriate to introduce royal immunity with certain conditions attached.

“I do not agree if I have the immunity not to pay back debts or to beat up people to the point they can’t even get justice,” he said.

> Berita Minggu highlighted a warning by Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to candidates of the March party polls not to take advantage of the Kuala Terengganu by-election to campaign for themselves.

He said they should focus their efforts to retain the seat and avoid bringing up personal sentiments which could split the ranks.

“The party polls is still a long way off in March. We don’t want any obstacle or distraction,” he said, adding that Umno members must take the by-election seriously as the Barisan Nasional candidate only won the seat in the last general election by a narrow margin.

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