Lay off royal tiffs, says Rais

(Bernama) – Members of the royalty and the Malay media should help to ensure that domestic matters in royal houses do not become national controversies to the extent of tarnishing the image of Malay rulers, information minister Rais Yatim said.

Although the Malaysian Constitution clearly stated that the future of the monarchical system was guaranteed, some humiliating incidents involving the Malay rulers, nevertheless, had been widely reported in the newspapers, he said.

“We should have the integrity to restrict this kind of stories so that they can be resolved by the parties concerned. Unfortunately, these kind of stories, as in what is happening in Kelantan, have become such a hot topic,” he told reporters after opening simultaneous branch meetings of Jelebu Umno here.

He said the preoccupation of the Malays in talking about such a hot topic, had made them forget about the importance of honouring the sultanate. Worse still it was Malay newspapers which were highlighting the issues, he said.

“In this case, both parties should play their roles, but those inside the royal houses should also take care of their castles, besides relying on the government as the guardian of the Constitution,” he said.

Asked how the Malays could react to tackle these issues, and attempts to weaken Islam, Malay rights and the monarchical system, Rais said: “There is no other way than through the Umno voice.”

He also explained that the 1Malaysia concept would not cause Malay rights to be abolished because this assurance was enshrined in the constitution.