KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, hopes his legacy will be one of progress, strong institutions, and social harmony, with the people's interests remaining paramount.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he would consider his reign meaningful if future generations believed he had fulfilled his responsibilities faithfully and placed the people first.
"I believe that over the past 25 years, despite leadership changes, we have built a legacy of strong institutions, social harmony, responsible governance and opportunities for future generations," he said in a special interview held in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of his reign.
He said buildings and infrastructure might change over time, but values, trust, and unity would endure far longer.
Asked what advice he would offer the next generation of rulers and leaders, he said leadership must always be regarded as a trust.
"Always remember that leadership is trust. Listen before deciding, remain humble regardless of success, uphold the Constitution faithfully and never lose sight of the people whom you are called to serve," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the people of Selangor remained his greatest source of inspiration.
"Seeing communities overcome challenges, young people achieve success and families build better futures reinforces my commitment to continue serving to the best of my ability," he said.
On the advice he would give his son, Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, who will one day succeed him, Sultan Sharafuddin said the office was one of responsibility rather than privilege.
"The office of the Sultan is not one of privilege alone - it is above all a solemn trust. My advice to the Raja Muda is to always remember that the Crown exists to serve the people and to uphold the Constitution with wisdom, fairness and integrity.
"A ruler must be prepared to listen more than he speaks, to seek counsel from those with knowledge and experience, and to make decisions guided not by personal interest, but by what is best for the state and its people.
"There will be times when difficult choices must be made, and it is during such moments that character and conviction matter most," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also recalled the events of May 13, 1969, when he was a 22-year-old Raja Muda while his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, was overseas.
"I was just a young Regent, but I had to grow up fast. Luckily, I could depend on older and wiser leaders for advice," he said.
He said he would remind Tengku Amir Shah that Selangor was home to people of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and cultures.
"A Sultan must be a symbol of unity for all, treating every citizen with compassion, dignity and impartiality," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said that despite advances in technology and innovation, certain principles must remain constant: integrity, humility, respect for institutions, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
"Always remain humble in your behaviour, choice of words and actions," he said, adding that no ruler could succeed alone.
"The strength of the monarchy lies in the trust of the people," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he was confident that Tengku Amir Shah would serve Selangor well, adding that he had every confidence in the future of the state.
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