'Unethical and rude', says Istana Kinta of manipulated video of Perak Ruler allegedly endorsing PAS

IPOH: The circulation of a video clip which purportedly shows a brief speech made by the Sultan of Perak in support of PAS must stop, says Istana Kinta.

Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said such a video was unethical and rude towards Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and has besmirched the name of the throne.

Mohd Zahidi said the video showed a small part of the Sultan's speech that was delivered during an "Ummah Unity Discourse" event that was held by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka on Feb 19, 2013.

"The way the video clip was spread has directly and indirectly linked the position of a Ruler for political purposes.

"It is believed that there are some who chose the speech made by the Sultan in 2013 and made it viral to influence the people to support PAS during the elections in the six states on Aug 12," he said in a statement on Monday (July 31).

Mohd Zahidi said in Sultan Nazrin's speech that was delivered during the event, the Ruler gave an analysis of the two largest Malay parties in the country, Umno and PAS, which were the two dominant parties then.

"The Sultan not only said positive things about PAS then but also the same about Umno.

"The part which praised PAS was only a short excerpt, the same with Umno, therefore, it does not arise (that) the Ruler only had good views on the Islamist party," he said.

"The Sultan's speech also described the histories of both parties and for the sake of the country, that it is important for the people to find a way to have understanding and cooperation, despite having different political views.

"The Sultan has given a balanced review on the two parties and reminded them not to be overzealous in getting political support and power while dividing the people and destroying the country," he added.

Mohd Zahidi said the Sultan's office had lodged a police report on July 29 to protect the good name of the Sultan from being dragged and besmirched by any parties to get political gains.

"Through this statement, it must be stressed that the Sultan does not side with or openly support any political groups.

"The video is not ethical and such an act can be described as rude towards the Ruler and besmirching the name of the throne, therefore the circulation of the video must be stopped," he said.