Tuanku Muhriz, accompanied by his consort Tuanku Aishah Rohani and their children Tunku Ali Redhauddin (left) and Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin attend an event to mark the 250th anniversary of the state royalty in Negri Sembilan.
MALAYSIANS are grateful for the blessings they enjoy, but they must not allow themselves to become complacent, advised Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir recently.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, who celebrates his 76th birthday today, also reminded Malaysians of the importance of upholding the principles of the Rukun Negara, the foundation for national unity.
The Ruler’s message to Malaysians to unite for a better Malaysia is more apt than ever, particularly at a time when world news seems to be headlined by conflict.
Reflecting on recent world events, the Ruler repeated this call in his opening address at the Negri Sembilan Bar Committee dinner and dance held last November.
“When we look at the conflicts that occur around the world today, we get dismayed at all the injustice that is perpetrated.
“There are nations whose authorities neglect the development of their own countries, causing widespread poverty, or practise gross discrimination between their citizens on the basis of religion, race or culture,” he said.
While they appreciated the nation’s blessings, the Ruler urged citizens not to rest on their laurels and instead, to work on improving their understanding and practice of the Rukun Negara, which is integral to the Malaysian identity.
“The good news is that here in Malaysia, we are grateful for all the blessings we enjoy. But we must not be complacent, resting on our laurels.
“Instead, we must safeguard what we have and also work towards improving on practising the values we uphold.
“Simply put, the essential values are a responsible society and good governance. If properly practised, the Rukun Negara can achieve these goals,” he said.
In times of crisis or on happy occasions, whether offering words of comfort to flood victims or enjoying cultural performances at the state’s Deepavali Open House, the Ruler does not shy away from lending his support to the people.
To foster the spirit of togetherness, the Ruler encourages greater interaction between people of different cultures and religious beliefs.
As someone who truly believes in practising the values set out by the Rukun Negara, Tuanku Muhriz exemplifies what it means to embrace the principle of mutual respect and good social behaviour – the fifth pillar embodied in the Rukun Negara.
Tuanku Muhriz delivering his address at the swearing in ceremony of the Mentri Besar at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti following the last state election. Also present was his consort Tuanku Aishah Rohani.
“Greater interaction will result in an appreciation of the values upheld by cultures different from your own.
“In this way, one is not merely encouraged to be tolerant of others, but to have a greater respect for the ways and culture of others,” he said.
While acknowledging the numerous calls to revive the observance of the Rukun Negara’s principles, Tuanku Muhriz said merely reciting it was not enough.
“The Rukun Negara was formulated in 1970, and yet, it is not appreciated by many.
“It is not enough to be able to memorise and recite the Rukun Negara in the early years of school, only to forget it as one grows up.
“It is also not enough to have a recitation at functions by youths. If we are serious about observing its principles, recitations must be led by leaders,” he said, citing Negri Sembilan’s Mentri Besar-led recitation of the Rukun Negara on National Day as one good example.
The Ruler, a firm believer in the power of education, suggested that the teaching of the Rukun Negara could be done at several levels beginning with the basics in primary school.
The teaching of the Rukun Negara at different levels of understanding in schools is imperative to mould citizens with a strong sense of responsibility.
“At secondary school, there can be classes to explain the objectives of the principles. At a higher level still, there can be discussions to encourage a deeper understanding,” said Tuanku Muhriz, who is also Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Since ascending the throne in 2009, the Ruler has reiterated that national unity and the spirit of togetherness are pivotal for the nation’s continued peace and harmony.
At the Negri Sembilan Bar Committee event, he reminded guests of the motto emblazoned on Malaysia’s Coat of Arms – “Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu” or Unity is Strength.
“I expect you remember the motto of your alma mater, but the country’s motto is never mentioned and is forgotten.
“It is Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu, Unity is Strength, and sits very well with the Rukun Negara,” he said imploring that the motto be used more frequently in correspondence and speeches.
Having inculcated the values of righteousness and integrity as a young law student at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (now Aberystwyth University), the Ruler espouses doing the right thing, particularly in the face of injustice.
Tuanku Muhriz, who graduated with an LLB (Hons) in 1970, credits the concepts he learned at university for imbuing in him an unwavering sense of integrity.
These principles of justice and fair play are the background for the Ruler’s approach towards his subjects and the many causes he champions.
Having served the community in various capacities including as a member of the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja in his younger years, the Ruler always prioritises selfless service.
Tuanku Muhriz’s untiring efforts to ensure people from all walks of life have equal access to quality healthcare, for example, was recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd).
The honour, which is the prestigious institution’s highest award, was presented to Tuanku Muhriz in appreciation of his efforts to support healthcare in aid of impoverished communities in Malaysia and the advancement of surgery.
Another award, the Tuanku Muhriz Travelling Fellowship in Rural Surgery, a collaboration between RCSEd and UKM, was also named in his honour.
At the opening of the UCSI Hospital in Bandar Springhill near Port Dickson in November, Tuanku Muhriz spoke about how the provision of high-quality medical care had the potential to change the healthcare landscape in Negri Sembilan.
“The availability of high-quality medical care and sufficient specialists as well as doctors offers more medical care and treatment options for the people of Port Dickson and Negri Sembilan.
“UCSI Hospital is part of UCSI Health Metropolis, a mega project planned to make Bandar Springhill a hub for medical tourism and education. This multi-facility project includes accommodation, a convention centre, a shopping complex, sports facilities, a research lab and more,” he said.
A Ruler who walks the talk, Tuanku Muhriz insists that elected representatives hold to the same standard of putting the people first. To the Ruler, duty and service are foremost.
During the state investiture ceremony to mark his last birthday, Tuanku Muhriz had said that leaders who had been given the mandate by the people must possess sincerity to serve and put the country’s interests above their own.
“Although there are differences in ideologies and agendas among us, I am sure that there are similarities, especially in the agenda for development and the people’s welfare to establish a more prosperous country.”
This sentiment was repeated in October during the opening of the state assembly when the Ruler congratulated newly elected representatives and commended the formation of a new collaborative state government working towards a common aim – continued progress for the state.
In line with his views that elected representatives should always set any differences aside for the benefit of the rakyat, Tuanku Muhriz stressed that duties given to the people’s representatives must be carried out with full integrity and accountability, prioritising the interests of the state without any political or personal agendas.
He said that politicians must be sensitive to the wishes and views of people who voice their sentiments via various spaces and platforms.
“Know that you are always being watched and judged by the people, so debate and argue rationally and intellectually on matters that can bring good and mutual benefit by complying with the rules of the House throughout the sitting.
Tuanku Muhriz, accompanied by his sons Tunku Ali Redhauddin (left) and Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin visit the Luna Lights Wonderland lighting event held in Seremban's Lake Gardens.
“I wish to remind honourable house members to always appreciate, protect, preserve, and defend the Federal Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Negri Sembilan,” he said.
Tuanku Muhriz also applauded the state administration for successfully steering Negri Sembilan through economic uncertainties and challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it was due to its commitment and cooperation in working together effectively that helped the state remain a preferred destination for investors.
However, he said, while the state recorded good financial performance, it was imperative that issues such as the cost of living, job opportunities and income disparity between urban and rural areas also be addressed.
In his speech, the Ruler outlined initiatives implemented by the state government to ensure that the people had access to a sufficient food supply and that they would not be burdened by the higher cost of living or goods.
“These economic empowerment programmes include the development of unused land, business capital assistance, halal cottage industry certification, fishing equipment assistance for coastal fishermen, monthly living assistance for university students and the provision of Rumah Harapan subsidies.
“The state government also launched the Jualan Harga Ladang Negri Sembilan Prihatin initiative to combat supply issues and the rising prices of essential items. Through the programme, the people can purchase essential goods 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than the market price,” he said.
The Ruler expressed hope that socio-economic development efforts that include the state’s economic empowerment agenda, digitalisation and the adoption of new technology, entrepreneurship and human capital development, would be intensified to boost the state’s economic growth.
If there is one thing that the people of Negri Sembilan know, it is that they have their Ruler in their corner.
Tuanku Muhriz’s love of state and country and his commitment to put people first endear him to his subjects as an approachable Ruler.
