KUALA LUMPUR: The royal institution, specifically the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in the context of a constitutional monarchy, cannot be treated lightly or taken advantage of as this is something that is clearly laid out in the Federal Constitution.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, said this needed to be taken into account by all responsible parties, adding that this was in line with the goal of not allowing the western culture of taking action based on emotions, without taking into consideration consequences, to take hold of the nation.
“The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as I see it, is something that should not only be taken seriously from the standpoint of a symbolic position... know that it is a great responsibility as when a crisis occurs, (the King is there) to stabilise the situation so that it does not adversely affect the people and the nation.
“In my opinion, those who drafted the constitution had indicated in the constitution itself (the importance of the Agong), but what needs to be understood is what is implied,” he said in his Hari Raya message carried “live” over RTM.
Citing verse six of surah al-Hujarat, the Agong said the rakyat must continue to practice ‘tabayyun’, to scrutinise every piece of information for the truth, in a bid to not inconvenience anyone.
The Agong said Malay Muslim society must remember that they will survive only if they continue to stick to a way of life which is based on their culture and religion.
“In conjunction with this glorious celebration, I wish you send a message, from Raja to rakyat, and not just to our beloved nation. I hope that the teachings of Ramadan over the past month has allowed us to return to an instinctive nature which will allow us to produce to high quality human capital who have integrity and can drive the reformation towards a developed nation.”
Sultan Muhammad V also stressed that Muslims should stop bickering amongst themselves and forget about past problems.
He said Muslims should also avoid spreading lies as the sin attached to such actions was heavier than murder, as stated in verse 191 of surah Al-Baqarah.
The King called up the rakyat to foster unity and harmony, besides continuing the tradition of visiting one another during festive occasions.
“May this Aidilfitri have a deep meaning and impact to us all in carrying out our duties as servants of Allah,” he said.
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