Refrain from using race, religion to divide rakyat - S'gor sultan to politicians

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has urged politicians - particularly senior and veteran leaders - to refrain from using race and religion-related matters to create division among the rakyat.

In saying so, the ruler cited a “fatwa” issued by certain political leaders, which he said was a "dangerous" trend.

"What's happening in the country, especially in the lead-up to an election, is extremely worrying. Race and religious issues are played up to garner support and votes.

"These politicians should propose economic plans that would benefit the rakyat instead.

“Problems involving the rakyat should be prioritised during each meet-up session with the people and convince them that political leaders are concerned about their plight," the sultan said in a statement today, in his capacity as the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs chairperson.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he was moved to issue the statement after hearing the concerns of the rakyat who were worried about the division in society and called for the rulers' intervention.

"In fact, some were brave enough to state that politicians were the reason behind the division.

"I would like to look back at history, where conflicts and racial division can cause prolonged 'civil war', which can ruin the nation.

"Is this what we want to see after 66 years of independence?" the ruler asked.

Importance of royals

Elaborating, Sultan Sharafuddin also stressed the importance of royalty to the nation.

"If we look at the history of the country's formation, the government system was sketched out to be a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.

"This concept put the executive power of the Malay rulers down to a government elected by the people, led by a prime minister at the federal level, and a menteri besar at the state level.

"Therefore, the government and political leaders should realise that the power they hold and obtain is originally vested in the Malay rulers and then entrusted to the government which consists of a cabinet at the federal level, and exco at the state level, to rule fairly and be responsible to all Malaysians," the sultan said.

The ruler pointed out that all these were enshrined in the Federal Constitution and state laws.

Sultan Sharafuddin also stressed that the rights of every race in the country are guaranteed as stipulated in the social contract signed after the country's independence.

"All these are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Therefore, no one should be instigated towards being prejudiced against each other, as the law guarantees their rights."

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