Federal Court’s Decision

The Palace of Justice

The 3-panel Federal Court Justice, led by Justice Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin decided that the Regent has a full power as Sultan when the reigning Sultan aren’t capable or is in incapacitation state as refers in the Kelantan’s State Constitution. By law, the Regent has the authority to carry out the duty as a Sultan when the reigning is in incapacitation state. The 3-panel justice unanimously rejected the petition made by Sultan Ismail Petra as the former Sultan has no authority by law to ask the court to decide the Crown Prince’s authority and jurisdiction as a Regent.

The former Sultan filed the petition on 5th May and 22nd June, named Sultan Muhammad V and Kelantan State Government as the first respondent.