KLANG, Oct 25 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has said that his views, criticisms and concerns on matters relating to the state administration are not intended to interfere in the affairs of the state government.
Instead, His Royal Highness said such matters were raised to ensure that the welfare and well-being of the people remained a top priority.
“I do not want the people to view my criticisms as a dispute or conflict between me and the government. Instead, I want every criticism to be seen as part of my responsibility to ensure that the state administration always looks after the interests of the people and the future of Selangor.
“However, what saddens me is that the criticisms or ‘titah’ (royal pronouncements), as they are referred to in royal parlance, have been misinterpreted by certain quarters and a handful of politicians, as though I intend to interfere in the affairs of the state government or practise absolute monarchy,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said this at the ceremony for the proclamation of titles, oath-taking and pledging of allegiance by the Orang-Orang Besar Istana and Dato’ Diraja Selangor, as well as the conferment of Selangor state honours, in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of His Royal Highness’s reign, held at the Balairung Seri of Istana Alam Shah here today.
Sultan Sharafuddin also stressed that he was fully conversant with the provisions of the law and understood the extent of his role and responsibilities under the system of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy practised in the country and Selangor.
His Royal Highness also respects the provisions of the Selangor State Constitution 1959 and the relevant provisions of the Federal Constitution concerning his position and powers as Sultan.
“All this while, I have discharged my duties as ruler in accordance with the trust and responsibilities vested in me, and I believe that every party entrusted with responsibilities in the government has its respective duties, which must be respected and carried out with full integrity.
“To my government, I urge you to work hard to achieve success and progress in all fields. I want to see Selangor continue to develop as a progressive and competitive state with a high level of modernisation and a knowledgeable, accomplished population, while continuing to uphold religious values, good manners and humanity,” His Royal Highness said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the measure of a state’s progress should not be based solely on billions of ringgit in investment, rapid development or high gross domestic product figures.
His Royal Highness said it was pointless for a state to possess great wealth if its people continued to struggle, as true progress meant ensuring that the benefits of the state’s wealth could be enjoyed by all its people.
“For example, in a developed and wealthy state, the people, especially the poor and underprivileged, should be able to benefit from and enjoy that wealth.
“The people should always be supported through access to quality education, affordable housing, ample employment opportunities, and a clean and healthy environment. What is important to emphasise is that the people must feel that they have not been forgotten by the government in its pursuit of rapid development,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also described his reign, which began in 2001 as the Sultan of Selangor, following 33 years as the state’s Raja Muda, as a journey that had been far from short.
The Sultan said that throughout this period, His Royal Highness and the people of Selangor had faced various challenges and trials, while also witnessing rapid development and changes in the state. These experiences had taught him much and deepened his understanding of the true meaning of a ruler’s responsibilities.
During his reign, four Menteri Besar had served alongside Sultan Sharafuddin to lead the state government.
“In my view, being a Sultan is not a position or status to be proud of. Rather, it is a trust and responsibility bestowed by Allah to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of all the people living in Selangor, while preserving the sanctity and dignity of Islam.
“I still remember the oath I took during my installation and coronation ceremony as Sultan on March 8, 2003, in which I pledged to uphold the sanctity of Islam at all times and govern Selangor with fairness, impartiality and honesty for the well-being of the people, in accordance with the Selangor State Constitution 1959.
“I take this opportunity to reiterate and renew my pledge to continue upholding the sanctity of Islam and to govern with fairness, honesty and responsibility for the prosperity of the people and my beloved state of Selangor,” His Royal Highness said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also pledged to continue to fulfil his responsibility to uphold Islam as the religion of the state and ensure that it continued to be respected and practised by Muslims in Selangor without being questioned.
At the same time, His Royal Highness urged the people of Selangor to continue living in peace and respecting and understanding one another, given the state’s multiracial, multireligious and diverse population. Differences in race, religion and culture should not become reasons for hostility.
The Sultan also urged the people to exercise caution when discussing sensitive issues and not to misuse freedom of speech in ways that could offend the race, religion or beliefs of others, while continuing to respect one another.
“Freedom must be accompanied by responsibility. Differences of opinion must be accompanied by courtesy, and progress must go hand in hand with human values. I want Selangor to remain a peaceful and prosperous state where its people live in unity,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
His Royal Highness also expressed gratitude to Allah for granting him the opportunity to fulfil this trust during his 25 years as Sultan. He thanked all the people of Selangor for their unwavering support, prayers for him and his family, and the confidence they had placed in him to rule the state throughout this period.
“I do not regard these 25 years as a personal achievement. Instead, I see them as a trust and a service to the people that I must fulfil. As long as Allah grants me the strength and opportunity, I will continue to discharge this trust to the best of my ability.
“I pledge to continue looking after the people, safeguarding the religion and protecting Selangor from any threats. May Allah continue to protect Selangor, grant well-being to all its people, and bless the state with lasting peace, prosperity and success,” Sultan Sharafuddin said. — Bernama