KUALA KANGSAR: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has reminded dignitaries, office-holders and leaders to uphold integrity, set aside personal interests and ensure that the grievances of the people reach the attention of the ruler, so that justice is always preserved.
His Royal Highness said dignitaries and office-holders must understand that the positions bestowed upon them demand nobility of character and sincerity in service.
"Dignitaries who serve close to the throne must uphold integrity, offer truthful counsel no matter how bitter it may be and ensure that the voices and grievances of the people reach the Ruler, so that the Ruler is not lulled into a pleasant yet false dream," said Sultan Nazrin.
His Royal Highness made these remarks at the Pledge of Loyalty Ceremony and the Conferment of State Awards of Perak Darul Ridzuan, held in conjunction with his 70th birthday celebrations here on Sunday (Nov 15).
Sultan Nazrin further noted that traditional heritage and royal regalia should not merely be celebrated as festivities or admired as decorative ornaments, rather, their underlying values and spirit must be appreciated and translated into the administration of the state and the lives of the people.
His Royal Highness drew attention to two primary pieces of royal regalia of the Perak Sultanate inherited from the Melaka Malay Sultanate since the establishment of the Sultanate at Tanah Abang in 1528 namely the Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini and Keris Taming Sari.
"The Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini and the Keris Taming Sari are royal regalia that hold profound significance within the life of a state where the people live under the rule of a Sultan.
"Both artifacts bridge the past with the future, serving as a reminder of the continuity of the Sultanate institution and the duty to safeguard the sovereignty of the state.
"Each possesses its own history and meaning, preserving the memory of a nation's journey in building a civilization, defending its sovereignty and upholding its dignity. Together, they embody a national heritage that invites us to learn our history, understand the nature of sovereignty and reflect upon our responsibilities," His Royal Highness said.
Sultan Nazrin further addressed the relevance of these ancient heirlooms in today's era of rapid digital technological advancement and artificial intelligence, noting that the faster a society moves forward, the more essential it becomes for it to recognise its historical roots and the foundations of its identity.
His Royal Highness remarked that progress requires guidance to ensure that development fosters well-being and that change does not erode human values.
He added that the spirit of the Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini should be contemplated as a reminder of the immense weight of the trust placed in a ruler serving as a poignant lesson to the occupant of the throne that the privileges they have inherited are inseparable from the duties they are obligated to fulfil.
"Power must be exercised with justice while judgment must be guided by wisdom; and decisions must always take into account the well-being of the people and the sharpness of the blade serves as a reminder to be discerning to clearly distinguish truth from falsehood.
"The firmness of the grip reminds us to remain steadfast in upholding our trust while, the scabbard which protects the blade invites us to understand the importance of proper conduct and self-restraint when one possesses power and strength."
"In modern governance, the trust of governing demands respect for the Constitution, the supremacy of the law, administrative justice and the protection of the people's well-being," His Highness added.
Sultan Nazrin said the spirit of Keris Taming Sari can be interpreted as the courage to defend one's dignity, the courage to uphold justice, the courage to speak the truth, the courage to reject corruption and the courage to stand up for those who are oppressed.
His Highness emphasised that such courage also entails a readiness to accept constructive criticism, acknowledge one's own shortcomings and implement reforms for the benefit of the people.
"The Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini and Keris Taming Sari must continue to serve as reminders that the throne is dignified by justice as the honour of an office lies in the trust placed within it; loyalty is strengthened by mutual confidence; the strength of the state is rooted in the trust of its people; and the well-being of the state is fostered through the consensus between the ruler and the ruled.
"Inherit these heirlooms, internalise their essence and bring their spirit to life. Indeed, the continued relevance of a nation's heritage depends on our capacity and commitment to keep its lessons alive.
"While the sword and the keris are inherited as symbols of state regalia, the virtues of courage, justice and trustworthiness must be embodied as guiding principles for building the future of a state defined by the bond between the ruler and his subjects," His Highness declared. – Bernama
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