Soft-spoken but outspoken, PKR veteran Hassan Karim is known for his candour, even when addressing sensitive issues involving powerful figures.

The Pasir Gudang MP has never shied away from speaking up on matters involving the royal institution and the Malay rulers. But he insists that his outspokenness should not be mistaken for hostility towards the monarchy, which he holds in high regard.

"I fully understand the concept of a constitutional monarchy. But if the system begins to lean towards an absolute monarchy or feudalism, that is something I cannot agree with," he said.

For Hassan (above), respecting the monarchy does not mean staying silent when royal powers are exercised in ways he disagrees with.