Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali today cited principles of "Bugis democracy" as the reason for him wanting to elevate the role of the BN opposition in the state government.

In his speech at the Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's 69th birthday celebration at Istana Alam Alah today, Azmin said his administration recognises the opposition as "they are part" of democracy.

Sultan Sharafuddin comes from Bugis lineage.

"I only mean to elevate democracy and for the opposition to also play a role to serve your subjects," Azmin said, in addressing the sultan in his speech.

Under Azmin's tenure, the state had given recognition to the opposition by insisting that the state opposition helm the state Public Accounts Committee.

The state government gave the opposition leader an official car and approved a RM200,000 allocation for each opposition assemblyperson for constituency work.

This is the first time an opposition bench has been given such recognition in Malaysia.

In his speech today, Azmin also cited the Malay folklore featuring the covenant between ruler Seri Teri Buana and his servant Demang Lebar Daun.

"We learn of…the covenant between the ruler and his rakyat; the rakyat is loyal to the ruler and the rakyat is not abused or subjected to diatribe.

"This spirit continues in the framework of a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy," he said.

"On this glorious day of your birthday, the people of Selangor hope that your care for us will continue be our shelter.

"The people of Selangor revere you as a caring ruler who shows concern for the plight of his people."

No racial conflict

As a way to show gratitude to the sultan, Azmin vowed to ensure the longevity and diversity of Malay culture in the state.

"The Malay culture is a combination of Banjar, Bugis, Jawa, Minangkabau, and others. All this combine to culturally enrich us," he said.

"The Bugis tradition had planted the seed of democracy in this region," he added.

He also spoke highly of the tradition of knowledge within the Bugis community, which produced key texts in Malay history including the Tuhfat al-Nafis.

Selangor, he said, is culturally-rich due to its diversity and this would be further encouraged through support for cultural programmes.

"My administration guarantees the harmony of your subjects will be safeguarded, and that there will be no conflict among this diverse community," he said.