ABSTRACT
A retrospective reflection on the constitutional developments of the past 50 years leads to the observation that the Tun Salleh saga of 1988 was a constitutional convulsion that continues to have adverse consequences for the standing of the judiciary. The first area relates to judicial integrity and public confidence in the judiciary. Malaysians can take pride in the high points and learn from the mistakes which led to the low points. The executive and the Conference of Rulers could usher in a golden era for the Conference of Rulers by learning to accommodate each other's roles. It would be an indictment indeed of post-colonial leadership if ordinary citizens were to hark back longingly to colonial rule as a golden age. Malaysia has never faced a situation where national elections have required power to be handed to a different party.
