Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad stressed that a democratic country cannot accord absolute power to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to block bills by the Dewan Rakyat, which is democratically elected.

He said this in response to a question from Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who had asked if a constitutional amendment made during Mahathir's first stint as prime minister, which allows bills to become law even without royal assent remains relevant today.

Prior to the provisions, the Agong could veto any bill approved by the Dewan Rakyat.