The Regal Stature Of A Sultan
When Eli's political future and soul have been badly bruised by the recent photo scandal, the Sultan has not forgotten to offer a word of consolation.
By HOU YALUN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily
When Selangor menteri besar surrendered his decision whether to accept Elizabeth Wong's resignation to the Sultan, the entire nation was closely watching how His Royal Highness was going to handle this matter.
But the Sultan's stand was crystal clear and straightforward. Based on his principle of "superseding the politics," the Sultan declined to offer any guidance or advice on Eli's political status.
When everyone was closely watching the Sultan's move, he surrendered the right of decision back to the menteri besar, believing that the menteri besar would make an appropriate, just and wise decision in the best interest of the people of Selangor.
The Sultan was clearer than anyone else that given his position, there was absolutely no need for him to bear any responsibility for his decision to accept or not to accept the resignation of a state assemblywoman.
If he accepted the resignation, he could have gone against the will of the rakyat; but if he rejected, PKR might have to come under tremendous pressure from within and without the opposition pact.
Based on the principle of not intervening in politics, the Selangor Sultan has tactfully dissolved the dilemma currently plaguing the royalty.
In addition, he has also demonstrated that given his position and role that transcends politics, there is no need for him to put his finger in the pool of murky water in the midst of the current political chaos.
The BN takeover of Perak has dealt a severe blow on the integrity of the Perak royal family, which should serve as a reminder to other royalties.
When things are in utter chaos, any faintly unwise decision will hardly be persuasive to the public, even to an extent as to trigger another round of constitutional crisis.
But the Selangor Sultan has made a decision that is truly convincing and undebatable, while at the same time, passing the ball back under the feet of Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim.
When Eli's political future and soul have been badly bruised by the recent photo scandal, the Sultan has not forgotten to offer a word of consolation.
When some others are preparing to sacrifice her political future for the sake of the party, the Sultan has shown his compassion for a state assemblywoman whose privacy rights have been rudely infringed, and has advised Eli to stay clam and courageously face her future.
This is a heart-warming remark in the midst of harsh criticisms. Especially so if it has come out from the royal family.
In all the turbulence, this kind of rational, understanding and sensitive attitude with which the Sultan has handled the issue is what a royalty should possess.
