I refer to the letter Royalty shouldn't have direct political role .

We are in urgent need of someone or some institution to provide a check and balance on the country's executive and the cabinet. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and the 'rakyat' are in no position to question the wrongdoings until there is a general election. By then the damage is beyond our rectification.

The speeches by the Sultan of Selangor Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Perak Raja Muda Nazrin Shah have been thought-provoking, sincere and are relevant to today's situation. They have caught the attention of the 'rakyat' like a breathe of fresh air.

We must also bear in mind the past when Dr Mahathir Mohamad twisted the real facts and whipped up the rakyat's sentiment to his advantage. After that, there was no one and nothing in the country which could provide a check and balance on the executive's excessiveness.

Who would ever forget the 1988 emasculating of the judiciary and the permanent loss of the separation of powers doctrine, the massive bailouts of private companies, the wastage of government funds and the many other incidents affecting the common people.

Even when the local newspapers are gagged and do not carry the news as evidenced by the report of the prime minister's nominee for the Chief Judge of Malaya which was rejected by the Malay Rulers. That report was first carried by a Singapore newspaper.

As such, it is timely and relevant for the royals of this country to speak out without fear or favor on issues affecting the common 'rakyat' in order for the country to progress while maintaining its unity and stability.

May the God bless Malaysia and her people with good health, stability, wealth and rapid progress for the next 50 years.