KUALA KANGSAR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have proven that the monarch transcends the role of a symbolic unifier, serving as a living bond who connects the people, the nation and the throne, says Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Sultan Nazrin said Their Majesties’ compassionate nature not only strengthened the connection between the people and the monarchy but also enhanced the people’s respect for the royal institution.
“Their compassionate nature not only fostered a stronger connection between the people and the monarchy but also bolstered the relationship between Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Government.
“Simultaneously, it deepened public reverence for the royal institution,” Sultan Nazrin said in his royal address at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 67th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also in attendance was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
According to Sultan Nazrin, Sultan Abdullah would be etched in history for steering through unprecedented challenges during his tenure as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“His Majesty gracefully steered the ship of state through the transitions of four prime ministers and four different Cabinets while overseeing the appointment of three prime ministers.
“His Majesty’s reign unfolded in the shadow of the global Covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated the imposition of stringent movement control orders.
“In the face of critical national issues, His Majesty displayed a remarkable commitment to a culture of high-level consultation by extending invitations to His brother Rulers from the respective states, fostering a collective spirit of ‘scaling the same mountain and sharing the same burden’,” said Sultan Nazrin.
His Royal Highness also said the constitutional monarch played a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s stability by crafting a balanced approach that benefits not only the royal institution and the government but also the citizens and the nation as a whole, thereby preventing the rise of any extreme political ideologies.
According to Sultan Nazrin, this was evident through the actions of Sultan Abdullah during the period of political uncertainty after the general election last year, which witnessed the first instance of a hung Parliament, where no coalition had secured a decisive majority to form a government.
“It was during this critical juncture that His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, demonstrated exceptional wisdom and played a pivotal role in charting a path forward.
“On Nov 22, His Majesty initiated to resolve the stalemate by proposing the respective party leaders consider forming a unity government.
“Beyond their ceremonial role, our constitutional monarch represents an institution with a true purpose and commitment, serving as the ultimate guardian of checks and balances within our nation, offering wisdom and guidance in times of challenge,” Sultan Nazrin said.
In his speech, the Perak Ruler extended his appreciation to Sultan Abdullah, who will conclude his term on Jan 30, 2024.
Sultan Nazrin also expressed confidence in Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, to continue the legacy of the royal institution, serving as a steadfast guardian of democratic principles, a stronghold of national unity and the heartbeat of the nation.
“Leveraging his extensive experience and genuine concern for the people, Sultan Ibrahim is expected to inject fresh soul and energy into the throne of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“His unwavering commitment to Malaysia’s diverse and multi-religious population, his rejection of divisive practices and his focus on promoting tolerance among different communities and religious freedom instil confidence that individuals from all backgrounds will be treated fairly and justly,” said Sultan Nazrin.
