‘Understand royal institution first’
PUTRAJAYA: The younger generation needs to understand and appreciate the history of the Malay royal institution before questioning its significance.
Universiti Malaysia Perlis’ Malaysian Royal Institution Research Centre director Professor Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam said she was concerned whenever youngsters questioned the need for the royal institution without having proper knowledge of its roles.
“The royal institution is not only a ceremonial symbol, but acts as an ‘umbrella’ to protect and provide justice to the people under its shade,” she said during the International Wasatiyyah Seminar 2017 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.
Ramlah said the role of the monarchy was relevant at all times and situations, as it safeguarded Islam and the Malay tradition.
“It also provides ‘shade’ to every Malaysian, regardless of race and religion.
“The monarchy in every instance is not partisan. It is independent and impartial to any entity.
“In fact, the monarchy must avoid any intervention in political debates and should reconcile any conflicts that arise,” she said.
She said the royal institution was dynamic and it fulfilled its role to unite any discord in the current political situation.
“This situation, if not controlled, can threaten harmony among religious and ethnic groups in our country,” she added.
Ramlah said the king’s power could not be disputed as long as it complied with the law.
“In the socio-cultural context, it can be concluded that the monarchy is an important element of national sovereignty and unification of the multiracial groups in Malaysia,” she said.
University Malaya’s International and Strategic Studies Department lecturer Professor Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar said it was important for people to understand the political world so that they would not be victimised by those holding power.
“If we do not prepare ourselves with this kind of knowledge, we will be marginalised,” he said.