‘RESPECT MONARCHYʼS ROLE’
King plays crucial role in time of crisis, says Sultan Muhammad V
SULTAN Muhammad V, in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message, advises the people against taking advantage of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The king says they should not allow the western culture of acting on emotions to take root in the country.
BE GRATEFUL FOR THE PEACE THAT WE ENJOY, PM URGES MALAYSIANS
THE royal institution, specifically the Yang diPertuan Agong, in the context of a constitutional monarchy, cannot be treated lightly or taken advantage of as this is clearly laid out in the Federal Constitution.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V said this needed to be taken into account by all responsible parties, adding that this was in line with the goal of not allowing the culture of taking action based on emotions, without considering consequences, to take hold of the nation.
“The institution of the Yang diPertuan Agong, as I see it, is something that should not only be taken seriously from the standpoint of a symbolic position... know that it is a great responsibility as when a crisis occurs, (the king is there) to stabilise the situation so that it does not adversely affect the people and the nation.
“Those who drafted the Constitution had indicated in the Constitution itself (the importance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong), but what needs to be understood is what is implied,” he said in his Hari Raya message yesterday.
Citing verse six of surah al-Hujarat, the king said the people must continue to practise tabayyun, to scrutinise every information for the truth.
“In conjunction with this glorious celebration, I wish to send a message, from raja to rakyat, and not just to our beloved nation.
“I hope the teachings of Ramadan over the past month have allowed us to return to an instinctive nature, which will allow us to produce high-quality human capital with integrity, and can drive the reformation towards a developed nation.”
Sultan Muhammad V said Muslims should stop bickering among themselves.
He said they should also avoid spreading lies as the sin attached to such actions was heavier than murder, as stated in verse 191 of surah Al-Baqarah.
The king called on the people to foster harmony, besides visiting one another during festivities.
“May this Aidilfitri have a deep meaning and impact on us all in carrying out our duties as servants of Allah.”
In Ipoh, Bernama reported that Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah reminded Muslims to showcase the openness, friendship and reconciliation propagated by Islam in celebrating Aidilfitri.
He said this could be achieved by receiving guests from various religions and communities to foster brotherhood, affection and mutual respect.
“Celebrate Aidilfitri with happiness that can foster goodwill among relatives and friends. Celebrate Aidilfitri in a cheerful atmosphere that can enhance the spirit of unity among the people.”
Sultan Nazrin said Muslims should share the wealth of sustenance that God had bestowed on them by increasing their charitable efforts.
He said the sacrifices of policemen, soldiers, firefighters, Prisons, Immigration and Customs personnel, hospital staff, people in the transport and services sectors, and media, radio and television personnel should be appreciated.
“We must also appreciate the sacrifices of those who have put in place various services to enable us to celebrate Aidilfitri in a peaceful, serene and lively atmosphere,” he said, adding that it was hoped that God would bestow His blessings upon them.
Sultan Nazrin said Muslims in the country were able to complete their fast in peace and enjoy the breaking of fast with their
families or fellow Muslims
“Having undergone the fast, let’s hope that we have a better realisation of the greatness of the divine grace bestowed upon us compared with the suffering many humans undergo, living in hunger and thirst because of the difficulty in getting food and drink,” he said.