KUALA LUMPUR: As political friction and social divisions continue to deepen, the constitutional monarchy remains a key pillar of unity, heritage and continuity, says Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday (Oct 28), Wong said the royal institution continues to play a vital role in bringing people together above partisan interests.
"Although we are living in the year 2026 and people have said that the role of the constitutional monarchy is outdated, for me, they represent heritage, they represent history, and they represent continuity.
"When we lose faith in our politicians, we look up to them. Luckily, we have rulers with us who dare to say things which politicians do not want to say out of their political ambitions, and they actually speak up for us, especially for people of all faiths and religions,” he said.
Reflecting on the 25-year reign of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Wong said the ruler has consistently served as a unifying figure in a society that has become increasingly polarised in recent years.
"His Royal Highness is a symbol of unity, a symbol of heritage. He represents stability,” he added.
Wong shared that throughout the 17 exclusive interviews he has conducted with Sultan Sharafuddin over the years, the monarchy has consistently emphasised the same principles, putting the people first, safeguarding unity and ensuring Selangor’s diversity remains a source of strength rather than division.
He said what stood out most from those interactions was the Sultan’s deep concern for the welfare of the rakyat, regardless of how small an issue may seem.
"No problem is too small for him. He reads all the emails and letters sent to him by the people, whether they involve traffic lights, flooding or cleanliness issues, and he actually acts on them,” he said.
Wong also noted that Sultan Sharafuddin has always been mindful of the limits of a constitutional ruler, describing his role as one of guidance rather than interference.
"He has made it very clear that he is not interfering. For him, when he says titah, it is advice. It is not a decree.
"He feels that he is providing leadership and responsibility to the state. He is a guiding light and a beacon to Selangor,” he said.
Wong said the Sultan's leadership is also rooted in humility and a willingness to listen, lessons forged from an early age after being appointed Raja Muda at just 15.
He said that Sultan Sharafuddin has often reminded his son, the current Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah, about the importance of remaining humble, seeking advice and putting the people first.
"His message to the present Raja Muda, who will succeed him, is the same: people first, ask for advice, and be humble.
"Even as a ruler, he doesn’t feel he’s above anyone. He always asks the views of others,” he said.
As Selangor marks the Sultan’s Silver Jubilee, Wong said the ruler’s steady leadership and emphasis on unity continue to provide confidence and reassurance to the people of the state. – Bernama
