IN a National Day address, Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah noted that the monarchy should remain impartial and not be drawn into political conflicts.
Sultan Sharafuddin highlighted that the royal institution is above politics and called for all criticism or feedback about the monarchy to be channeled appropriately and expressed with discretion.
Any form of criticism or feedback concerning the monarchy should be communicated through appropriate channels and done so prudently.
Sultan Sharafuddin urged politicians to avoid engaging in hate politics, a concern he has raised multiple times. Despite his appeals for unity, he pointed out the culture of inciting division persists among some leaders and politicians.
I often advise leaders and politicians to avoid inciting hate, but despite this, this culture is still practised by some leaders and politicians.
The Selangor ruler’s remarks come in the wake of former premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin being charged with sedition for his comments at a ceramah ahead of the recent Nenggiri by-election. Muhyiddin questioned why he was not invited by the then-King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah to be sworn in as prime minister after the 15th General Election despite his support from 115 MPs.
Moreover, Sultan Sharafuddin also stressed the importance of unity among Malaysians regardless of differences in race, religion, or political beliefs. He urged that these differences should be leveraged to build a more united and inclusive society.
“Instead, these differences should be used to foster a united and pluralistic society.
Efforts must be made to organise programmes that can bridge the divides and eliminate any negative prejudices.
– Aug 30, 2024
