Published: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:31:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:33:02 PM

Raja Nazrin upset over manipulation of his speeches

Raja Nazrin giving his speech at the "Istiadat Meletak Kerja" ceremony in Kuala Kangsar on Tuesday.

KUALA KANGSAR: The Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, has expressed dismay that his speeches have been manipulated and rewritten by certain quarters to imply that he openly supported certain political groups and belittled others.

This gave a wrong perception and could mislead the people, he said at the "Istiadat Meletak Kerja" ceremony signaling the start of celebrations for the 85th birthday of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah on Tuesday.

"Any act of associating my name and good self to gain political support can be deemed to court the palace into partisan politics and can be assumed to have violated civility and prudent political order," he said.

He said the institution of the rulers and the throne was above party politics, separate and distant from engaging directly in political affairs and activities.

"The throne must be preserved as a neutral entity, above party politics, in order to serve impartially as an umbrella in the state and accepted without doubt as an institution of unity in diversity, especially in dealing with any conflict and dispute among the people," he said.

Raja Nazrin said a sitting ruler shouldered a heavy responsibility in ensuring that the spirit of the Constitution, the philosophy behind legislation, and the greater interest of the people and the country remained protected.

"In the middle of the nineteenth century, Walter Bagehot introduced a classic trinity concept, which outlined that a constitutional monarchy has three rights, firstly, the right to negotiate, secondly, the right to advise, and thirdly, the right to remind," he said.

He said that taking a leaf from the concept, he capitalised on closed or open functions to espouse his analysis and comments in the form of advice and insight, encouragement and motivation as well as reminder and admonition in the interest of the people.

He said this was aimed at improving departments, government agencies, the security forces, the private sector, voluntary organisations, welfare bodies, and sports associations.

"From time to time, I make comments on Islamic affairs, unity of the people, national security, socio-economic development, finance, education, judicial independence, abuse of power, corruption, efficiency and transparency of governance, and a variety of other subjects with the desire to ensure that the country remains strong, peaceful and prosperous," he said.

He said the institution of the rulers not only fulfilled the historical and sentimental values of the nation, but also enhanced the effectiveness of the check-and-balance mechanism, thus strengthening the executive, legislative and judiciary of the country.

"The ruler serves as the pillar of stability, the source of justice, the thrust of unity, the umbrella of unity, and strengthens and sustain democratic practices that can boost the people's confidence in the governing system based on democracy and the doctrine of separation of powers.

"A ruler rules, and does not administer. A ruler is above all political affairs and day-to-day administration. By being in the higher strata, a ruler only gets involved at the necessary time and period," he said.

Raja Nazrin also reminded all quarters not to desecrate customs and cultures in the heat of campaigning during the 13th general election, at a time when the government was facing many challenges, particularly the Lahad Datu intrusion.

"Maintaining peace and order is a joint responsibility. Respect the laws and regulations, act prudently and ethically, and cease manipulation to the extent of tainting the seat of government," he said.

Raja Nazrin announced a RM100,000 donation from the Sultan Azlan Shah Foundation to the 'Ops Daulat' Fund, and said members of the Perak Dewan Negara had pledged to donate RM500 each to the fund. - Bernama

News

Published: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:31:00 PMUpdated: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:33:02 PM

Raja Nazrin upset over manipulation of his speeches

Published: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:31:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday March 19, 2013 MYT 7:33:02 PM