The Star carried an interview with HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor. It’s a great read.
Here are some excerpts.
On racial politics:
For example, I am disturbed that some of our politicians, regardless of their political parties, prefer to dwell on trivial issues. They are harping on issues that have no relevance to the country. With the global economic crisis, I would expect them to focus their energy and resources on how best they could help Malaysians face this financial uncertainty. But the issues that these politicians have brought up are disappointing. I am concerned with the manner some politicians exploit racial issues for their own agenda.
Malaysia belongs to all races, not just the Malays. The country is what it is today because of the contributions of all races and that is something we must acknowledge.
On the PKNS general manager issue:
I think it was a non-issue. The person has served in PKNS loyally and effectively for 30 years, so why should her promotion be questioned? If she’s not good, she would have been sacked a long time ago.
On Datukships:
This year, I have decided that only a few people would be awarded Datukship, two Dato Seri and one Dato Setia.There would be no politicians, either from the past or present government.
His Highness’ Birthday wish:
It’s simple. I like to see the people of all races live together in harmony. We have been able to do that for the last 50 years and even before independence and I believe the ordinary people love peace. What they want in life is simple – to live happily, have a decent life and see their children have a future in Malaysia.
I must say that I have newfound respect for His Royal Highness. What he said is a breath of fresh air, especially with politicians using race to further their personal goals. The political deadlock in the country has allowed the Malay Rulers to assert their influence and they seem to relish what is in essence their Constitutional role.
Although, I must disagree with returning royal immunity to the Rulers. I mean for every Tuanku Mirzan, Raja Nazrin and Sultan Sharafuddin, there are others who are ‘less than royal’ in their attitudes.
Daulat Tuanku!
I’m linking this to my blog.
“Malaysia belongs to all races, not just the Malays. The country is what it is today because of the contributions of all races and that is something we must acknowledge.” HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Very well said…. we love you dear king.
We love you indeed dear King. We also love the fact that your family signed this country off to the British 250 years ago and was remunerated well for the nation’s rubber, tin, copper, gold, coal, steel and the workers that came along with it.
We love you indeed dear King. We love it when you say that Malaysia belongs to all races. We love the fact that you believe in Equality. We love it because you understand the plight of the Rakyat, as you sit up high in your well guarded palace, being driven in your Rolls Royce, eating the finest food and never having to work. As we pay you, we love that you believe in Equality.
We love you indeed dear King. We love it how you and your fellow Brothers while theoretically having caused all the racial disparity and religious bias in this country, now await hungrily when we have our petty political squabbles, so you can give us this message of Hope and watch us give you and your institution the praises that you crave.
Long Live the King! Long Live Selangor Royalty! Long Live HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah!
I think it’s a bit unfair to blame the current Sultan on whatever his ancestors did. Sins of the ancestors?
In any event, we musn’t disregard the constitutional role of the monarchy, as provided for in the constitution.