Sultan: Don’t play with fire

Ahead of the 14th general election, Sultan of Selangor Tuanku Sharafuddin Idris Shah has warned politicians not to capitalise on sensitive topics such as race and religion to fish for votes. Tuanku did not pull his punches over the way Tun Dr Mahathir Moh

SHAH ALAM: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah held his tongue and only hit out at Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad three weeks after the former premier’s perceived insult of the Bugis community.

“I was on my way to perform the umrah when I got to know about the remarks.

“I did not want to react blindly. I waited until I returned and spoke to different people who were there and who knew what actually happened. I only spoke after that,” he said.

Tuanku’s subsequent rebuke to Dr Mahathir for alluding to the Bugis community as pirates made waves.

The Selangor Royal Council, in a statement, even called for Dr Mahathir to be investigated under the Sedition Act for trying to incite hate, insulting and belittling the Bugis community.

The Council said historical facts prove that the Selangor Sultanate descended from the Bugis, who were warriors who defended Islam and peace throughout the Malay archipelago.

Another Ruler of Bugis descent, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, was previously reported to have expressed his displeasure over Dr Mahathir’s remarks.

He said such callous statements made by politicians could sow seeds of hatred among the people.

Sultan Sharafuddin said yesterday that the controversy should not have happened.

“Those who support him say I am influenced by people who are anti-Mahathir.

“That is untrue. We must have proof. He ruled for 22 years. He should know better,” said Tuanku.

Asked if Dr Mahathir has apologised to him, Tuanku replied: “He never apologises.”

Tuanku said Dr Mahathir is not the type of leader who would allow others to do better.

“He has an inferiority complex and a deep hatred within him. He is just angry and his anger will burn the whole country,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

Asked whether the royals were taking revenge for Dr Mahathir’s move to curtail the Sultans’ powers in the 1980s, he said: “No, we do not believe in revenge. God is great. He will show to the people.

“Back then my father told me, today is his day, tomorrow will be our day.”

He recalled Dr Mahathir had claimed that too much money was spent to maintain the monarchy.

But, Tuanku asked: “What about the forex losses? It is so much more.”

On Thursday, the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s findings on Bank Negara Malaysia’s losses due to foreign exchange (forex) dealings in the 1990s were tabled in Parliament.

The dealings, between 1992 and 1994, resulted in losses amounting to RM31.5bil.

Sultan Sharafuddin said Dr Mahathir ruled for 22 years but he did not do so alone as he was supported by parties that stood solidly behind him.

“For Dr Mahathir to want to destroy the foundations that supported him, makes him a very dangerous man,” said the Sultan.

He has an inferiority complex and a deep hatred within him. He is just angry and his anger will burn the whole country. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah