KUALA KANGSAR, 3 Feb 2009: The Ruler, as the head of state and the country needs to be neutral, non-partisan and free of personal interest to ensure justice for the people, said the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.
He said: “As the Head of State at the state level and Head of the Country at the national level, the Ruler plays a role in upholding stability and justice, and strengthening solidarity and unity.
“The presence of the Ruler helps in enhancing the effectiveness of the check and balance mechanism.”
He said this strengthens the institutions of the legislature, executive and judiciary and raises public confidence in the system of a democratic government, and the doctrine of the division of power.
Raja Nazrin said this during the pledge of loyalty at the special investiture in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the reign of Sultan Azlan Shah as the 34th Sultan of Perak at Istana Iskandariah, here today.
At the investiture, 25 individuals were conferred the special award, Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Seri Azlanii (D.S.A) which carries the title Datuk Seri, which was created in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Sultan Azlan Shah as the Sultan of Perak.
Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun also graced the occasion.
Raja Nazrin said a Ruler must always ensure that whatever he said and did were not misinterpreted and misunderstood.
He also said that the power entrusted by Allah must be discharged with responsibility because the ruler would be judged in the hereafter.
“As such, power must be exercised to implement good practices. The Ruler’s nobility and honour, position and sovereignty do not come automatically,” he said.
He said genuine nobility originated from respect for an individual’s characteristics, and not because of the person’s rank, position, title or throne.
Referring to his father, Raja Nazrin said Sultan Azlan Shah clearly understood the sentiments and aspiration of his subjects who comprised various races, religions and cultures.
“The height of the throne has never caused my father to ignore the welfare of his subjects; the fence surrounding the palace has never prevented my father from seeing the reality occurring in the state.
“Throughout his reign, my father has always upheld the principles of justice based on the sovereignty of the law, giving emphasis on solidarity, cooperation, consensus and consultation.”
Raja Nazrin said his father has proven that the monarchy was capable of maintaining the historical heritage of Malay governance in this country. — Bernama
Lainie says
Perchance Raja Nazrin will talk to his father about all these points? Soon?
Ying says
Raja Nazrin said, “A Ruler must always ensure that whatever he said and did were not misinterpreted and misunderstood.”
It would be nice if the Sultan could help us understand why the he did what he did. His recent decision is ripe for misinterpretation and misunderstanding.