Sultan saddened by those who question privileges
(The Star) – Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is saddened by certain quarters who question the special privileges of the Malays, the relevance of the Malay royal institution and its role in the country’s administration.
He said their intent, for the constitutional monarchy system to be scrutinised and reappraised, with the excuse that the country had undergone modernisation and the current system was no longer suitable, was unjustifiable.
The Ruler said he was further saddened as loud voices were also heard from among the Malays themselves asking that the word “Malay” from the term “Malay Rulers” be abolished.
“I believe this is done for their self or political interest,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in his speech yesterday at the launch of a discourse on the current and future historical perspective of the country’s constitutional monarchy system.
Presenting their papers on various topics at the seminar were Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, Prof Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam and Assoc Prof Dr Mohammad Agus Yusof.
“I would like to ask these Malays, do they not have any pride as Malays as they are willing to sacrifice the word ‘Malay’ so that it will be buried and lost from this world?” asked Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Sultan said history written by the British, where terms such as “Federated Malay States” and “Malay Rulers” had been used, should be read.
“This is indicative that the writers from the West acknowledged the existence of Malays who started the history of this country.
“I am saddened with present-generation Malays who seem ashamed to admit that they are Malays,” he added.
The Sultan said the Malay Rulers were very important in the administration of the country and played a role in protecting the interests and well being of the country’s multi-racial citizens.
“We must also be aware that the Malay Rulers’ institution is the final buffer to control and prevent elements intent on destroying national unity and the Government’s integrity,” he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin also said he was happy and proud that the Government had made History a compulsory subject in schools.
This move, he said, would open up minds and create an understanding of the country’s historical events, thus preventing misunderstanding among the people.
