KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Feb 2009: Following is the full statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over the controversy involving Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong.
It was issued by the Sultan’s private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, to Bernama.
“I am pleased to inform that Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, sought an audience with His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, on Wednesday, 25 Feb 2009 and duly informed His Royal Highness on the political development and the issue which involved Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, the Selangor state assemblyperson for Bukit Lanjan who is also the state Selangor exco member.
“His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, has commanded me to inform that His Royal Highness could not offer any guidance or advice to the Yang Berhormat Datuk Menteri Besar of Selangor in the matter related to the issue of Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping as it was still under police investigation and it involved her political position. It is His Royal Highness’ stance as the Sultan of Selangor to be above politics.
“His Royal Highness believes that whatever decision that is going to be made by the Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Menteri Besar of Selangor will be made with accuracy, fairness and wisdom by taking into consideration the interest of the rakyat in particular and the state of Selangor in general.
“His Royal Highness is upset and worried as of late the intrusion of someone’s privacy and private rights are being used to destroy one’s dignity and reputation. It is a sad thing as one’s life and private rights were made public and subject to public scrutiny through the mass media.
“To Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, His Royal Highness feels sad and sympathises with her as to the unfortunate event she has suffered and hopes that
Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong will remain calm and be patient in continuing with her life henceforth.”
Singam says
HRH Sultan has shown that he is compassionate about the unfortunate circumstances Eli Wong has been put into but that he also understands the need to remain above politics. He has also indicated his confidence in the MB which suggests that he will accept the decision of the MB. Tan Sri can proceed to make the right decision without worrying about pseudo-monarchist rabble rousing.
The question that remains is, what are the guidelines to be followed by one holding public office in a plural society and representing a people, some of whom are highly conservative? Where does one draw the line on acceptable behaviour?
This is a conundrum that Eli Wong and her party/coalition leaders need to discuss frankly and resolve unemotionally.
steve says
In my opinion, this was absolutely the right thing for HRH Sultan to do. His statement gave respect to his menteri besar and laid down the principles of what he thought was acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. If rulers observe this irrespective of a BN or PR government, they will earn the respect and loyalty of the rakyat. If they play with the fire of politics, whatever the law may or may not say, they will get burned and they have no one to blame but themselves. Daulat Tuanku.