KUALA LUMPUR: Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s calls for Malaysians to stay united as one has been ringing out loudly since he was sworn in as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31.
In his inaugural Royal Address at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament on March 11, the Agong stressed the importance of efforts to strengthen and foster the spirit of unity and reminded the rakyat to cherish the peace, security and harmony that they are now enjoying.
Sultan Abdullah, who will be installed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 30, also called for stern action to be taken against those who play up racial sentiments and misuse social media to circulate content that reek of sedition, defamation and extremism.
Commenting on His Majesty’s serious stand on unity, principal fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said going by Sultan Abdullah’s characteristics, he clearly “is the icon for national unity in this country”.
“Tuanku is well-known for his friendliness and his ability to interact with people from all walks of life. His ways will stimulate the people to be more open to cohesion, which can forge real unity and harmony,” he told Bernama.
Sultan Abdullah’s character, added Teo, is such that he is seen as someone who can facilitate matters related to various aspects of the nation’s administration. This will ensure progress and can bring glory to the nation.
“It’s an undeniable fact that each Yang di-Pertuan Agong has his own character and strengths.
“Our 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with his affable personality and ability to mingle with the people with ease, can be a good example to our multiracial population especially when it comes to fostering goodwill and close friendships,” he added.
Vital role
Teo said as a nation with a plural society, Malaysia has to preserve the harmony that prevails in the nation at all costs, which is not an easy feat considering that the population comprises people of different racial, religious and ideological backgrounds.
“His Majesty as the head of state recognises his important role of creating and preserving harmony among the multiracial and multireligious people,” he added.
As the pillar that symbolises unity, Al-Sultan Abdullah in his capacity of Yang di-Pertuan Agong can be regarded as the nation’s sovereign umbrella that provides shelter, protection and justice to all the people regardless of their race, religion and political affiliations.
This is something that is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which states that it is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s responsibility as the head of state to look after the interests of all the communities.
“It is this principle that will guide Al-Sultan Abdullah during his reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and it will surely have a beneficial impact on the nation’s progress, including ensuring that the people have broad access to education and jobs and assuring them of a wholesome life.
“Each race is free to practice their own religion and speak in their mother tongue,” he added.
Protect interests of all races
His Majesty’s role of safeguarding the nation’s security and peace is fulfilled through the responsibilities accorded to him in the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of the government.
According to the holder of Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Chair of Institution of Malay Rulers Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Zainal Kling, Article 39 of the Federal Constitution clearly states that executive power is conferred on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and although the implementors are the civil servants, the phrase ‘Urusan Seri Paduka Baginda’ (On His Majesty’s Service) is stamped on all official documents.
This shows that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong plays a pivotal role in the nation’s administration because all the affairs of the country must be certified under the power vested in accordance with Article 39.
“The most effective way for the head of state to safeguard the welfare and well-being of the people is by delegating the power to certain groups, usually the Cabinet ministers. The power of the Cabinet ministers comes from the power vested on His Majesty,” pointed out Zainal.
He said in this respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agoing acts as a balancer to ensure that the power delegated to the Cabinet ministers is not abused or trivialised to the extent that it causes negative implications for the people.
His Majesty is also seen as the bedrock of support for the nation’s diversity and upholder of justice for the people, under the provisions stated in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
According to this clause, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is responsible for safeguarding the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras in the states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the legitimate interests of other communities as stated in the article.
“Article 153 protects all the people, all races but many people have questioned it, claiming that it only protects the Malays. The truth is, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also protects the other races so that they have access to education, business permits and such things,” said Zainal.
Pillar of the people
Geostrategist and former Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Azmi Hassan said in relation to judicial matters, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong bears the heavy responsibility of appointing High Court judges as he has to ensure that the judges, whose appointments are approved on the advice of the prime minister, represent the interests of the nation and people.
He said in extreme cases when His Majesty feels a candidate recommended by the prime minister is not suitable for the post, he can reject the appointment by citing national and the people’s interests.
“This scenario has not happened in Malaysia but in the United States, the candidates recommended by the president for the post of Supreme Court judge often raise controversy,” he said.
As a matter of fact, as outlined in the Federal Constitution, many roles are conferred on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to protect the well-being of the people, thus making him the pillar of stability in this country. – Bernama
