Sultan Nazrin takes dishonest leaders, inciters to task

IPOH (Bernama): Forthright and eloquent, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah's pronouncement on various issues affecting the country, region and the world have always won the respect and admiration of many.

Whether it's on the economy, education, politics, ethnic relations, Islam, the fate of the Malays and Muslims in general, Sultan Nazrin's views on these matters make front-page or prime news in the mainstream media and are usually shared on social media by thousands.

Sultan Nazrin, 62, had earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University, a Master's degree from John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and his PhD in Political Economy and Government, also from Harvard University.

Last Nov 2, as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Nazrin signed the instrument of declaration, allowing him to exercise the functions of the King in the absence of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V.

He said they could cause suffering among the people, with poverty spreading as leaders prioritised increasing their material wealth.

He added that sudden wealth without enrichment of the mind, intellect and soul was not the true meaning of being wealthy; instead it gave rise to an unhealthy culture that could lead to the wastage of resources, poor development, unemployment, crime and other social ills.

The raising of sensitive racial and religious issues of late did not escape the Ruler's attention and concern.

Speaking at the 11th convocation of Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Kangsar early this month, he reminded the people, especially leaders, not to mastermind provocations that could incite communal hatred and hostility.

He said national harmony was being threatened due to political competition, with some political leaders becoming arrogant after winning the elections while the losers became vengeful.

“Malaysia has all the components that can stir a conflict, but the past leaders chose not to be in conflict. Unity should prevail so that this peaceful, harmonious and prosperous nation can be passed on to future generations,” he added.

Another much talked-about speech by Sultan Nazrin was on the Malays losing the spirit of ukhwah (brotherhood) and being caught in the blame game and a competition to embarrass one another, which only reflected bad on them.

He said the Malays now appeared to be increasingly weak because they had lost the spirit of brotherhood, were flawed in character and had become increasingly intoxicated by the pursuit of wealth and competition for power, despite Islam having built the Malay race in the past to be disciplined, trustworthy, noble and sincere.

Socio-economic development in Malaysia and the region is also a subject of interest for Sultan Nazrin, and whether in his research or speeches, he has listed down three shifts to propel the country forward.

He said there was a need to develop a more open and resilient Malaysian society and economy to move the country to the next level and achieve a high-income status.

He said the two other key structural shifts required to achieve these goals were establishing a truly just and equitable society, and taking full advantage of the current wave of technological transformation.

Sultan Nazrin shared these views when addressing the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS)  Malaysia's Praxis Seminar themed, “A Time for Transitions: The Malaysian Economy to 2020' in early October.

In the effort to make the economy and society resilient, competitive and performance-based, he said, Malaysia was currently the world's 22nd freest economy, according to an international economic freedom index, reflecting its attractiveness as a destination for investment and the central role of trade in its economy.

Sultan Nazrin also follows closely political developments in the country, especially after the 14th General Election (GE14) which saw the historic change of federal government on May 9, after 61 years.

At the swearing-in of the new Perak Mentri Besar on May 12, the sultan reminded party leaders and members to respect the outcome of the elections and appreciate the trust given by the people, especially the voters.

He said those leaders chosen as elected representatives should, in return, uphold the people's trust by serving them well, with integrity and sincerity.

In his keynote address at the World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation 2018 in July, Sultan Nazrin also touched on GE14, saying that the unprecedented change occurred because the people had brought about a big political change through the ballot box.

As such, he wanted young people, as the country's valuable asset, to drive that change, empower it and be actively involved in the decision-making process. – Bernama

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