Agong: Royal institution not mere symbol, crucial in times of crises

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, in his Hari Raya Aidil Fitri message delivered today, reminded Malaysians that the royal institution should not be taken lightly, stressing that it is not a mere symbol but has a crucial role to play during times of crises.

"The royal institution in the practice of a constitutional monarchy, particularly the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, cannot be taken lightly and treated in a whimsical manner as it is an institution clearly outlined in the Federal Constitution.

"The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in my opinion, should not be seen as a mere symbol as it plays a crucial role in stabilising the situation when crises occur so that the people and the country do not suffer," he said.

He said the drafters of the federal constitution had made this clear in writing.

"But more importantly is what is not clearly written but is implied which is courtesy and morality as taught by our ancestors and which should be carefully appreciated by all," he said.

As easterners, the ruler said Malaysians should not abandon such values.

While the Yang di-Pertuan Agong did not refer to anything specific in his speech, the monarchy was in the spotlight last week after Bersatu supreme council member A Kadir Jasin claimed the government had expended RM257 million in 16 months on the king.

Police subsequently initiated a sedition investigation against Kadir.

In his address, Sultan Muhammad urged Malaysians to foster unity and visit one another's homes during the Hari Raya.

The ruler's Hari Raya address over RTM was broadcast back-to-back with Prime Minister Dr Mahthir Mohamad's Hari Raya address.

Mahathir in his address, meanwhile, urged Malaysians to make sacrifices for a better future.

He said the new Pakatan Harapan government had discovered that the mismanagement of the previous BN government was worse than expected.

"The Pakatan Harapan government vows to do its best to put the country back on the right track but to achieve this, measures must be taken to save money.

"Money that is not halal will no longer be distributed to the people to win their support.

"The people, together with the government, must also accept the need to save. Believe that the small savings we do now will see a better life for us in the future," he said.

Both the cabinet and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong have announced a 10 percent cut to their salary and allowances as part of the nation's cost-cutting measures. -Mkini