One thing the drafters of the Constitution did not neglect to provide for is what happens if, as recently, the Agong is prevented by illness from exercising the duties of his office. Off sick for more than fifteen days and the Timbalan Agong must step into the breach and act as Agong. That is the law. the fundamental law. Clear and unarguable. So the period available for prevarication over the current political crisis is a limited one and cannot be spun out over months like the “Speaker” says the sitting of the Assembly can.

All Malaysians will sympathise with the Agong in his present state of ill health but that cannot be a reason for holding up the business of the State. Either the Agong must resume his functions or the Timbalan Agong must assume them as the Constitution provides. Which is it to be?