Sultan of Selangor: Criticisms aimed at safeguarding people’s well-being, not interfering in govt affairs
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.
