PETALING JAYA: For a democracy to thrive, a progressive nation must prioritise the balance of power, upholding a system of checks and balances across its three branches of government, says Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah (pic).
“When power becomes overly concentrated within any single institution or one branch grows significantly weaker, normally it is the cause of a lame government that can lead to failures in justice, invite abuse of power, sow division among the people, escalate into civil conflict, and, ultimately, result in governmental collapse,” His Royal Highness said amid his 68th birthday which was celebrated on Nov 1.
Sultan Nazrin also paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers as the nation celebrates its 67 years of Independence.
The Ruler said the impending Dec 6 marks 34 years since the passing of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, fondly remembered as the Father of Independence and the Father of Malaysia.
“The late Tunku Abdul Rahman and his fellow founding leaders envisioned and established a nation and a government for the Federation of Malaya and Malaysia, based on the concept of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
“This system is anchored in the doctrine of the separation of powers, upheld by three distinct entities – the legislative, the executive and judiciary,” said the Ruler.
Reflecting on the nation’s founding history, Sultan Nazrin said Malaysia was to become a society comprising diverse ethnicities, practising different religions, inheriting rich cultures, as well as speaking multiple languages.
“Despite six decades of independence, our country has yet to achieve an ideal state of maturity,” the Ruler lamented.
With goodwill and optimism, the Ruler said we must reject self-interested negativity, which blinds us to the virtues that unite us.
Sultan Nazrin noted that the nation faces significant challenges, with religion and ethnicity becoming intertwined in political discourse for gain.
“We witnessed the rise of excessive rhetoric masked in religious fervour and provocative slogans associated with ethnic identities,” said the Ruler, adding that they could potentially ignite widespread animosity that could devastate our nation if not swiftly contained.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Sultan Nazrin emphasised the necessity for wise leadership that values the nation’s diversity.
“At this juncture, the nation needs wise and prudent leadership that instils a sense of ease and comfort among the people, free from prejudice and suspicion; fostering an open-minded appreciation for the diversity bestowed upon this land,” said the Ruler.
Reaffirming the role of the monarchy, Sultan Nazrin described the throne as a symbol of sovereignty for the Malay homeland, responsible for the protection of all citizens.
Amid rising tensions around religion and ethnicity, Sultan Nazrin addressed criticisms directed towards the royal institution.
“The Ruler’s role is vital in bridging tradition with modernisation and enlivening the nation’s rich history and civilisational legacy,” he said.
He warned against the troubling trend of rejecting decorum and tradition, which is often led by those with a shallow understanding of their civilisation.
Sultan Nazrin also stressed the importance of maintaining cultural values, urging citizens to reject encroachments that violate the boundaries of custom and decorum.
“We must not permit anyone to become uncivilised or to live devoid of manners and respect for our heritage,” the Ruler asserted.
He reiterated the need for members of the Dewan Negara, alongside religious and noble leaders, to present “unembellished truths grounded in facts”.