In our country there are certain things related to race and religion that we are required to refrain from commenting. However, where royalty is concerned (correct me if I am wrong), I believe we can comment on their words and actions and not be deemed as being disrespectful or discourteous to them.

I am referring to the report in a local daily recently on the rejection by the Selangor Sultan of Pakatan candidates shortlisted for the City Hall Advisory Board.

Though the Sultan had maintained that he is above politics, but when his actions and comments have political ramifications, surely His Highness is aware there will be others who may not agree with him.

When the Sultan rejected the two shortlisted candidates from Pakatan Rakyat for the City Hall Advisory Board because of their political affiliations, His Highness overlooked that there are others in the current board who are in fact political appointees themselves.

I find it strange that His Highness should object to those affiliated to Pakatan Rakyat when Selangor is currently being administered by Pakatan Rakyat. Besides, the rules and regulations of the Advisory Board of the City of Kuala Lumpur 1989 provides for the Selangor state government to have two representatives on the Board.

Being the incumbent coalition, I think it is only fair and to be expected that the Pakatan Rakyat government nominates its own people to sit on the City Hall Advisory Board as the Barisan Nasional is already being very well represented in the board.

Even if members of the board consisted of representatives from both sides of the political divide, I am sure they can still work together towards the interest of the people and His Highness need not be unduly worried.