For a better tomorrow: Sultan Nazrin with Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim at the investiture ceremony held at Istana Iskandariah. — Bernama
KUALA KANGSAR: The younger generation are facing a dark future because of corruption, the Sultan of Perak has warned while reminding all leaders not to disappoint the people by repeating the mistakes of past leaders.
Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said the people felt suffocated and were disgusted by acts of corruption, which he described as a cancer that causes moral decline, oppression, cruelty, degradation, environmental disasters, unemployment and poverty.
“The younger generation are the victims, facing a dark future because of corrupt leaders.
“Procurement practices have raised many question marks, while financial scandals have reportedly cast a dark shadow over the country’s reputation, and the shame comes with a high price to pay by citizens who have to deal with foreign counterparts.
“(Therefore) read, assess, understand and digest the message that was delivered through the ballot box,” said the Perak Ruler in his speech during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 66th birthday at Istana Iskandariah here yesterday.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Bernama reported.
The Perak Ruler said the people yearned for fair and just governance, based on the rule of law and impartially administered through an integrous Bench, dispensed by a panel of judges who are non-partisan, unfazed and free of political interference.
“To ensure that citizens are afforded a life that is principled and harmonious, with the desire to build a stable and peaceful country, in striving to establish a country that is orderly and prosperous, leaders must be able to decipher the people’s message accurately.
“After 65 years of independence and 15 general elections, citizens are demanding a fresh menu with new recipes in this new political arena. They are getting more literate, emphasising integrity, trustworthiness and transparency,” said His Royal Highness.
Sultan Nazrin said the people were more vociferous in exposing corruption issues, more persistent in rejecting leaders perceived to be corrupt or who use their positions for self-interest, or leaders who accumulate vast wealth for their family or allow themselves to be instruments of businessmen without scruples.
He also said the people wanted a government that was courageous and steadfast in its fight against corruption and hoped for a more equitable distribution of wealth, assurance of employment opportunities, improved standard of living, transparent management and trustworthy leaders.
In addition, he said the people demanded essential social services such as education to realise their potential, accessible healthcare, public transportation to ease expenditure and affordable housing programmes equipped with recreational and social facilities.
“The people want a country that is free from strife and conflict, to live harmoniously with mutual respect, always cooperative and unhindered by religious pre- judice and racial distrust,” he added.
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin inspected a Grand Guard of Honour mounted by three officers and 103 members of Division 2 of the Royal Army Engineers Regiment based in Sangro Camp, Taiping.
The Grand Guard of Honour was accompanied by the KD Pelanduk brass band based at the Lumut Naval Base.
