KUALA KANGSAR, Nov 5 – The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, has called on the people to stop excessive politicking over the status and eminence of the Malay Rulers, Islam, the Malay language, the special position of the Malays and legitimate interests of other communities as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
He said the interest of the people who elected the government should be given priority, and the country’s peace and harmony should not be sacrificed in the name of power struggle among certain leaders and groups.
“If there are mistakes and derailment in the implementation of certain policies, what needs rectification is the implementation mechanism. The core policies, which form the foundation of this independent country, should not be touched, tested or challenged at all.
“It is feared that such actions, if not stopped, will hurt the feelings and emotions of the Malays,” he said at the handing over of a memorandum by Gabungan Melayu Perak (GMP) at the Istana Iskandariah here today.
Also present were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa.
Sultan Azlan said any amendment to the constitution pertaining to the Malay Rulers and their jurisdictions over Islam, the national language, the position of the Malays and bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak should first have the consent of the Rulers.
He said that the Malay Rulers understood that the Federal Constitution also recognised and safeguarded the interests of the various races, religions, languages and cultures.
“The understanding and agreement which are enshrined in the social contract have enabled the country to achieve success, progress, harmony and stability,” he said.
About 2,000 representatives of Malay non-governmental organisations, silat and arts associations throughout the state, headed by GMP chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hilmi Ismail, participated in a peaceful march from the Ubudiah Mosque to the palace to hand over the memorandum.
Mohd Hilmi said the memorandum, among other things, expressed gratitude for the special statement issued by the Malay Rulers last month which touched on issues related to the Malay Rulers, Islam, Malay language, the special privileges of the Malays and the interests of other communities. – Bernama
