Former Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu today voiced support for Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s reminder to politicians about the importance of upholding the Rukun Negara and national values.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the former DAP assemblyperson for Sg Pelek said the sultan’s call for political leaders to visit the newly installed Rukun Negara monument at Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam is not just symbolic, but holds a deeper message about returning to the principles of Malaysia’s foundation.

The statement comes after Sultan Sharafuddin explicitly suggested that Liu- who quit DAP in 2023- and Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki, visit the site once a week to learn the importance of respecting the royal institution and upholding proper conduct.

READ MORE: S’gor sultan tells state reps, DAP figures to visit Rukun Negara monument regularly

Malaysiakini is reproducing Liu’s statement in full below:

Daulat Tuanku.

I humbly and with the utmost respect express my deepest gratitude to His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor for graciously reminding all political leaders to return to the true spirit of the Rukun Negara, especially at a time when politics and society are increasingly driven by emotion and division.

In my view, His Royal Highness’ call for politicians to visit Dataran Selangor twice a month to engage with the rakyat and revisit the principles of the Rukun Negara is not merely symbolic nor a matter of formality.

Rather, it carries a much deeper meaning- a reminder for all political leaders to return to the very foundations upon which this nation was built.

Today, the challenge facing Malaysia is not merely political competition, but a political culture that has become increasingly extreme, emotional and confrontational, gradually drifting away from the original spirit of nation-building. Therefore, I believe the true message conveyed by His Royal Highness is not simply about attending the square itself, but about reminding all politicians to relearn the meaning of:

  • Respecting the nation,

  • Respecting the Constitution,

  • Upholding the rule of law,

  • Honouring the institution of the Malay Rulers, and respecting one another as fellow Malaysians.

The five principles of the Rukun Negara represent the complete spirit of our nation:

1. Belief in God

2. Loyalty to King and Country

3. Supremacy of the Constitution

4. Rule of Law

5. Courtesy and Morality

I believe these five principles must not be understood selectively, but must instead be embraced in their entirety as the foundation of Malaysia’s political culture.

As someone who has long been involved in Malaysia’s democratic and political journey, I have always held the Constitution in the highest regard and firmly believe that it remains one of the most important foundations of stability and harmony in our nation.

In fact, as a reflection of my deep respect for constitutional principles, I even named my own son “Zun Xian” (尊宪), which carries the meaning of “Respecting the Constitution.” To me, it symbolises the belief that the future of the next generation must also be built upon respect for the law, the Constitution and the foundations of the nation itself.

Politics in a new era should no longer be built upon hatred, emotions and division, but upon maturity, rationality, mutual respect and the future of the nation.

What the rakyat truly hopes to see today is not endless political conflict, but leaders who are willing to return to the principles of the nation and work together to build a Malaysia that is more mature, stable, united and full of hope for future generations.