KUCHING, 7 Nov 2008: The Rulers may disagree with government advice which goes against the spirit of the constitution, rule of law and universal principles of justice, the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah said last night.
“Generally, the Rulers act based on the advice by government leaders elected by the people. Nevertheless, the Rulers cannot accede to acts which do not symbolise justice or sanction moves which do not mirror truth.
“The Rulers’ views, observation and counsel in the administrative affairs of the country touching on the question of integrity which encompasses justice, law, judiciary, misappropriation, power abuse, corruption and wealth distribution, are with the desire to strengthen the government so that it is stable and receives people’s trust,” he said at a dinner in conjunction with the National Integrity Day here.
To ensure the Rulers’ integrity was not questioned and the throne remains respected, Raja Nazrin said, the Rulers should always be intelligent and wise, master knowledge, understand the surroundings and changes, and possess a group
of advisers comprising experts and people knowledgeable in the relevant fields.
“This will enable the Rulers to fulfil their roles with integrity and make smart, accurate, just and fair decisions,” he said.
Present at the dinner were Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Justice Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi.
Raja Nazrin said the Rulers were a national institution whose role was to strengthen the democratic system by being a check and balance, and to function as an independent tribunal for the legislative, executive and judiciary.
As a source of reference should a crisis occurs, he said, the Rulers’ function was as a balancing mechanism.
“The Rulers have a role as the pillar of stability – source of justice, thrust of unity – hence enhancing the level of people’s confidence in the systems of governance and society based on democratic practices, rooted on the doctrine of separation of powers.
“The Rulers have constitutional responsibilities and the responsibilities need to be carried out intelligently so that it can help build a high-integrity country,” he said.
To strengthen the practice of integrity, Raja Nazrin said, the Rulers shall hold consultations and negotiations, gather opinions, and be open minded, to assesseach advice rationally, objectively and fairly. — Bernama
