DO NOT BE RUDE SAYS SELANGOR SULTAN

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj is deeply saddened and disappointed over the disputes relating to the recent appointment of the new Perak state government to the extent of displaying rudeness to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

"Political developments, instances of street demonstrations and disputes between various parties, relating to the recent appointment of the new Perak state government, to the extent of displaying rudeness to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, have saddened and disappointed me."

He said this in a special press statement entitled "Affirmation Regarding the Political Turmoil in Perak Darul Ridzuan", which was released from Istana Alam Shah, here.

In a three-page statement, the Sultan of Selangor advised the people who challenged the rights, role and position of the Rulers, which were enshrined in the Federal Constitution, to think carefully and evaluate deeply the consequences before taking any action.

"I hereby wish to advise with the utmost sincerity by taking into consideration the future of the religion, Malaysian nation and our beloved country. Please do not be misled by actions and behaviours that will only disgrace our integrity, invite high risks to our process of progress, and eradicate the foundations of national sovereignty through the display of rudeness, treachery, arrogance, ignorance in knowledge and lust for power," the Sultan said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the fact that the Sultan of Perak was his uncle and that both Royal families of the two states had a long-standing historical relationship added to his sadness and disappointment.

He said he knew Sultan Azlan as a very knowledgeable person with vast experience in the legal service and judiciary, appropriate with his former position as the Lord President.

Sultan Azlan and his Royal family also had distinguished educational credentials and qualifications and were always sensitive to the needs of the people to the extent that most of his actions were based on a knowledge of culture, holistic considerations and principle of consensus with experts on the relevant issues, Sultan Sharafuddin said.

"What we have seen and (are) still seeing for the past week in Perak has prompted concern among those who care so much for their religion, race, country, stability, wellbeing, civilisation, security and our future together," he said.

"In light of this occurrence, we now know which is glass, which is diamond. In fact, we could now understand the truth inside those people who 'burn the net out of anger with the mosquito'," he said.

Sultan Azlan appointed Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar on Feb 6 when the coalition government comprising the DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and PAS lost the majority in the State Legislative Assembly, and this had caused dissatisfaction among the leaders and supporters of the coalition.

As a result, supporters of the coalition held street demonstrations near Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar to the extent of obstructing the car of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

In addition, former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was reported to have disagreed with the Sultan of Perak when his request for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly did not get the Royal consent while DAP chairman Karpal Singh had incurred the anger of many people following his intention to sue Sultan Azlan Shah on the matter.

Sultan Selangor said the increasingly worrying situation at the global and regional levels warranted the people to strengthen unity despite their differing viewpoints.

"There are times when we can retract statements that were wrongly said, but these are precarious times where wrongful action can lead to disastrous consequences.

"I pray to Allah the Almighty to place us in his loving care, and continue to shower us with a clear heart, peaceful soul, wiser thoughts, easier path, the right actions, harmonious relationship and strong self-belief to manage the country togehter in facing future progress of our nation," the Sultan of Selangor said.

BERNAMA