KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has said that 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 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) 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 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 state honours, in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of His Royal Highness’s reign at Istana Alam Shah.
The Selangor Ruler said he is fully conversant with the provisions of the law and understands the extent of his role and responsibilities under the system of a constitutional monarchy.
Sultan Sharafuddin also respects the provisions of the Selangor State Constitution 1959 and the relevant provisions of the Federal Constitution concerning Tuanku’s position and powers as Sultan, Bernama reported.
“All this while, I have discharged my duties as Ruler in accordance with the trust and responsibilities vested in me.
“I believe that every party entrusted with responsibilities in the government has its respective duties that 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, supported by a knowledgeable and accomplished society, while upholding religious values, good manners, and humanity.”
His Royal Highness 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.
Tuanku said it is pointless for a state to possess great wealth if its people continues to struggle, pointing out that true progress means ensuring the state’s wealth could be enjoyed by all its people.
“The people should always be supported through access to quality education, affordable housing, ample employment opportunities, and a clean and healthy environment.
“What is important to emphasise is that the people must feel that they have not been forgotten by the government in its pursuit of rapid development,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
His Royal Highness also described his reign, which began in 2001 as the Sultan of Selangor, following 33 years as the state’s Raja Muda, as a journey that had been far from short.
“In my view, being a Sultan is not a position or status to be proud of. Rather, it is a trust and responsibility to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of all the people, while preserving the sanctity and dignity of Islam.
“I still remember the oath I took during my installation and coronation ceremony as Sultan on March 8, 2003, in which I pledged to uphold the sanctity of Islam and govern Selangor with fairness, impartiality and honesty for the well-being of the people in accordance with the State Constitution.
“I take this opportunity to reiterate and renew my pledge to continue upholding the sanctity of Islam and to govern with fairness, honesty and responsibility for the prosperity of the people and my beloved state of Selangor.”
