Constitutional conflicts in contemporary Malaysia /

Renewed interest in constitutionalism makes this book handy for those seeking additional insights into political maneuverings and skirmishings endemic to Malaysian society. Lee (law, Monash Univ.) examines three major constitutional conflicts that beset Malaysia and disturbed the balance of power of its executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Since the "Merdeka" constitution of 1957, Malaysia had experienced several crises relative to Sarawak, Kelantan, and Sabah, but the constitutional crisis of 1983 posed the central question of whether the king was constitutionally bound to assent to the 1983 constitutional amendment bill, since executive authority of the Malaysian Federation is vested in him. This was followed by the judicial upheaval of 1988 and the 1992-93 confrontation over royal immunities. Parliamentary government rather than martial law prevailed in the 1980s and early 1990s. Lee describes the authoritarian powers of the executive and the legislature, arguing for restoration of the powers of the courts in order to maintain equilibrium within the Malaysian constitutional system. Otherwise, Malaysia may travel the path of many Third World countries, languishing in dictatorship and national disunity. Lee concludes: "If the sanctity of the Malaysian Constitution is to have any meaningful content, amendments to it should be the product of extensive discussions and deliberations." Excellent bibliography, endnotes, and commentaries with Supreme Court case studies. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, faculty, and comparative constitutional law scholars. C. G. Hess Lander University