THE dispute between the Malaysian Government and the monarchy that has plunged the country into a constitutional crisis could drag on for six months or more, according to officials in Kuala Lumpur.
There is concern that the war of words will cause lasting damage and affect investor confidence.
The constitutional amendments passed by Parliament over the objections of the country's nine hereditary rulers, which remove their legal immunity, were presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or King, Sultan Azlan Shah, for his assent at the weekend.
But he is expected to reject the amendment bill on the grounds that it does not have the approval of the rulers.
The Constitution says any bill affecting the position or status of the rulers must have their consent to become law. But the Government argues that a 1983 constitutional amendment means the current amendment bill can be passed without royal assent.
Under the 1983 amendment the King has 30 days to either give his consent or raise objections to a bill and send it back to Parliament. If Parliament again approves the bill it will become law with or without the King's assent within 30 days of being presented to him the second time.
If this process is followed and the Government gazettes the amendment bill after the second debate in Parliament, the rulers are expected to challenge its validity in the Supreme Court.
