Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak says a council not decided by the people could be seen as undemocratic and unconstitutional. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, November 13, 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said that any council that was not decided by the people, could be deemed as undemocratic and unconstitutional.He is believed to be referring to a proposal by his most vocal critic, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for the setting up of a "council of elders" to guide the prime minister in leading the government.

"Any council that is not of the people's choice, that is to supervise the leaders, can be seen as undemocratic and directly contradicts the Federal Consitution that stands on democratic principles," he said in a blog posting today. "If there was a body that can control an elected leader, then we will deviate from the democratic system that has been the pillar of our country's peace and development."Dr Mahathir recently admitted that he had made the suggestion to the G25 group of prominent Malays promoting moderation, describing it a necessary move since the Cabinet would likely greenlight all of the prime minister's decisions.

"In the system that we have now, the prime minister chooses his own Cabinet, and he chooses people who will support him all the way. And of course that means whatever he does will be okayed by the Cabinet."Whereas an outside council, appointed by other people will not agree with the prime minister all the time. They can give their opinion. Maybe the prime minister would not accept, but at least he would hear other opinions," he had said.Najib, however, said as a country that practices democracy, leaders are elected by the people and urged for the principles of the Constitution to be upheld.

"Malaysia is a country that practices democracy. The leaders in the executive are elected through the party polls and general elections. They have received the mandate to be leaders and hold posts in the government to provide service to the people and the nation.

"As a Malaysian, no matter your post or position, we have to uphold the Constitution. As a leader, I have the responsibility to defend the National Principles (Rukun Negara) with all my power," he said.Constitutional expert Dr Aziz Bari also told The Malaysian Insider yesterday that Dr Mahathir's proposal to have a "council of elders" did not have a place in Malaysia's Federal Constitution.

He said installing the council would only worsen the system of governance. – November 13, 2015