Monarchy vital for Malay Muslim unity

Agung's role in preserving and protecting the position and rights of the Malays and other races is enshrined in Federal Constitution.

KUALA LUMPUR: The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is playing a vital role in uniting the people, especially among Malay Muslims, in the country.

Assoc Prof Dr Shamrahayu Abd Aziz said in this case, “His Majesty’s wisdom, credibility and firmness
are very much needed to ensure that any factional issues among the people will not be detrimental to the country.”

In fact, Dr Shamrahayu, who is Principal Fellow at the Centre for Syariah, Law and Politics, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), said the roles of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as stated in Article 41 of the Federal Constitution, was also important when the nation was facing political difficulties or foreign threats.

“Although the nation has yet to experience any incident that highlighted the power and roles of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the people must remember that it is always there.”

She said this during the talk titled “How Far the Constitution Protects the King and the Future of the Malays?” organised by the Malaysian Historical Society at Wisma Sejarah here today.

Dr Shamrahayu said having witnessed at least 18 coups endured by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, it was only apt for the Malaysian people to gain better understanding of the roles of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Without King Bhumibol’s wisdom and credibility, the institution of monarchy in Thailand must’ve been tarnished. King Bhumibol’s credibility has shone through. That credibility became the most important element in facing protests and various situations in the kingdom. It not only saved the institution of the monarchy, but also ensured the survival of Thailand’s sovereignty,” she said.

She said Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which emphasises the roles of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in preserving and protecting the position and rights of the Malays and other races, clearly implied that the institution was accepted as the symbol of solidarity.

“This should not be questioned, but instead be strengthened as top priority to ensure not only the survival of the institution of the monarchy, but also the survival of Malaysia as a peaceful and progressive nation,” she added.

- BERNAMA