Rulers are above politics, can't answer allegations openly

KUALA KANGSAR, SUN:

Rulers are above politics and as such they cannot participate in open debate to answer allegations hurled against them by political groups, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, said today.

He said that the action of certain political groups in provoking the people and sowing seeds of hatred against the rulers, was akin to fanning "embers in the chaff" which, he said, was a dangerous act and could destroy the peace enjoyed by the people and the country.

"These groups are allowing the end to justify the means by condoning such acts.

"These groups and individuals feel that they are faultless and immune from any action, to the extend of disregarding the law for the sake of attaining power," he said at the loyalty pledge and Perak awards ceremony in conjunction with his 81st birthday at the Istana Iskandariah here today.

Sultan Azlan also said that he felt that there was too much politicking in the country at the moment and that this would affect economic productivity and the country''s image in the eyes of the international community.
"In facing the global economic crisis, too much politicking is not helpful to the people who are struggling to make ends meet," he said.

He added that leaders of various political parties should find a meeting point from which they could work out ways to cooperate for the sake of the country and people.

Sultan Azlan Shah also spoke on the need to correct what he described as the misconception that the constitutional monarchy was just a symbol devoid of any power.

He said the rulers were neither blind, deaf nor mute. In fact, he added, they were fully aware of what was going on in the country.

"It should be stressed that the constitutional monarchy has three rights -- the right to give views and counsel, the right to encourage and motivate, and the right to remind and reprimand," he said. Bernama