In a press statement warning of an alleged attempt by Putrajaya to subvert the principle of separation of powers, he said the rakyat should welcome the recent royal intervention in the Kedah crisis as a sign that the Malay royals would continue to take an active interest in national affairs.

He noted that this new assertiveness on the part of the rulers became apparent last October, when they called for a quick resolution to the 1MDB crisis out of concern for public order, national security, the health of the economy and the livelihood of the people.

Raja Bahrin accused the Najib administration of attempting to “clip the rulers’ wings” with the recent bulldozing of the National Security Council Bill through Parliament.

“The Prime Minister exerted pressure on the royal institution through the National Security Act passed in Parliament last December,” he said. “By this act, any emergency declaration does not have to receive the green light from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

Fortunately, he said, the Malay rulers were showing signs that they would not stand by silently.

“There are indications that they will state their stand on several issues at the forthcoming Conference of Malay Rulers,” he said.

“The rakyat should welcome this development. The royal institution represents our last hope, considering that those who are supposed to take care of our interests have failed to fulfil their responsibilities.”