Amirudin Rebukes ‘Selective Loyalty’ Towards Royal Institution

SHAH ALAM, May 21 (Bernama) -- The decree on unity by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah came at a highly significant time, amid tendencies by certain parties to fan racial sentiments and exploit religion and the royal institution for narrow political interests, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

He said the ruler’s decree in conjunction with this year’s Aidiladha celebration emphasised the importance of unity among the people, harmony in a multiracial society, and the responsibility of all citizens to preserve peace, well-being and stability in the state.

“Therefore, all parties including the opposition must stop practising selective loyalty by supposedly defending the monarchy, religion and race only when it benefits their political position, but ignoring the same principles when they do not serve their own interests.

“These individuals also remain silent for political reasons when outsiders insult and undermine the dignity of the Selangor royal institution,” he said in a statement today.

In this regard, Amirudin said any attempt to distort the nation’s history, sow hatred among races or question the framework of the Federal Constitution for political gain was irresponsible and dangerous to the country’s future.

“All parties should examine the Federal Constitution honestly and responsibly, and read the Proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj so that the nation’s history is not twisted according to narrow political interests.

“Article 4 of the Federal Constitution clearly and explicitly provides that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Malaysia was also clearly founded as a Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Amirudin also expressed his utmost appreciation for the decree and advice graciously delivered by the Sultan of Selangor in conjunction with this year’s Aidiladha celebration.

He said Malaysia was not built on racial hatred or religious fear, but on the spirit of consensus, understanding among people of diverse backgrounds and the supremacy of the law.

“The people must also heed Tuanku’s decree to fully appreciate the Rukun Negara, including reading and understanding its background and preamble, as it contains the great aspirations of the nation’s founders.

“The Rukun Negara is not merely a recital at official ceremonies, but a national philosophy that must be embraced in the life of the nation,” he said.

He added that the state government would continue to uphold the spirit of unity, moderation and respect for the Constitutional Monarchy and the rule of law as outlined by the nation’s founders and reaffirmed through the decree and advice of the Sultan of Selangor.

-- BERNAMA