Rulers must be given ‘honest, true’ advice, says Perak religious dept

 

The Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) said it was unreasonable for the King or the Rulers to simply perform  ceremonial duties.

PETALING JAYA: Leaders tasked with advising the Malay Rulers must do so honestly and sincerely to ensure the Sultans are not misled into making any wrong decisions, said the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk).

In its Friday sermon yesterday, JAIPk said the Rulers must be advised on the real situation affecting the people’s lives and the nation’s well being.

This is to enable them to carry out their role as “arbitrators” in a fair and just manner.

“It is very important for the leaders tasked with advising the Rulers to be knowledgeable, transparent, sincere, honest and true.

“This is to ensure that the Rulers are not misled, by being shielded from the facts and reality and thereby cause them to err in their decrees,” it said.

It added that the Malay Rulers needed to get the views of all parties in order to obtain accurate and true facts, as they were required to monitor the governance of the country, despite not governing directly.

It said the Rulers were not mere “decorative monuments” but had a duty to ensure that the separation of powers was maintained, while not siding with any individual, group or political party.

JAIPk also said it was unreasonable for the King or the Rulers to simply perform  ceremonial duties or to be considered as “puppets” who merely gave their consent to every single document presented to them.

“The Rulers are the pillars of stability, the sources of justice, the core of unity and the umbrella of unification.

“They serve as a check-and-balance mechanism on the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government to ensure good and responsible governance with integrity.” - FMT