Constitutional Conflicts in Contemporary Malaysia

Second Edition

HP Lee

Offers a lucid and succinct analysis of the constitutional conflicts which affected the checks and balances of the Malaysian constitution.
Provides an excellent account of the growth of the Malaysian nation and the constitutional and legal aspects of the crises weathered by the Malaysian polity.
Explains very clearly the constitutional dimensions of political conflicts in Malaysia.

New to this Edition:

A chapter examining the Islamization phenomenon and the implications of this phenomenon for the rule of law in Malaysia
A much-expanded chapter on the state of constitutionalism in Malaysia
the many controversies which have afflicted the Malaysian judiciary since the 'Judiciary Crisis' of 1988, the A discussion of the reforms proposed to restore public confidence in the judicial institution and the significance and efficacy of these reforms

Constitutional Conflicts in Contemporary Malaysia

Second Edition

HP Lee

Description

In this book, HP Lee explores how the separation of powers doctrine in Malaysia has been adversely affected by a number of major constitutional conflicts among the various important organs of government. The author first analyses the struggle by parliament for supremacy over the Malay Rulers or Sultans by expunging the need for the royal assent to the enactment of legislation and removing royal immunities. Lee then turns to the contemporary role of the Malay Rulers and the reasons for the perceived rejuvenation of these Malay Rulers. The book goes on to examine the series of controversies and scandals which have plagued the judiciary since the tumultuous judiciary crisis of 1988, and the efficacy of the reforms which have been introduced to restore public confidence in the judiciary. These conflicts and a number of statutory enactments are analysed to determine their impact on the state of constitutionalism in Malaysia. The book concludes with the author's thoughts on the trajectory of constitutional development in Malaysia.

Constitutional Conflicts in Contemporary Malaysia

Second Edition

HP Lee

Introduction
1:Constitutional History and Political Developments
2:The Constitutional Crisis of 1983
3:The Battle over Royal Immunities
4:The Malay Rulers: A Royal Resurgence?
5:The Judiciary under Siege: The 1988 Crisis
6:Reforming the Judiciary: A Triumph of Form over Substance?
7:The Islamization Phenomenon: The New Constitutional Battlefront
8:Wither Constitutionalism?
Conclusion
Appendices

Constitutional Conflicts in Contemporary Malaysia

Second Edition

HP Lee

Author Information

HP Lee, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

Emeritus Professor Hoong Phun (HP) Lee held the Sir John Latham Chair of Law at Monash University from 1995 to 2014. His research interests are Australian constitutional and administrative law, the judiciary, national security laws, and Malaysian constitutional law. He has published extensively on the constitutional law of Malaysia.