KUALA LUMPUR: The political landscape of the country needs to mature further so that it can truly serve the goal of developing the nation and ensuring the well-being of the people.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that leaders of any political party must discard their hypocritical attitudes where they initially promise to fight for the people's welfare but ultimately prioritise power.
"The political landscape of our country needs maturity so that this platform is fully utilised for the purpose of advocating the greater agenda of the nation's welfare and the people's well-being.
"Leaders must discard the culture of hypocrisy that claims to fight for the people but once in power, only safeguard power interests," he told Berita Harian.
He was commenting on the decree of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, urging all leaders to compromise and respect each other to enhance the prosperity and well-being of the people.
Sultan Ibrahim's decree stated that his priority after being inaugurated as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not to safeguard the interests of the 222 political representatives but rather the 33 million citizens of Malaysia.
Asyraf stated that Sultan Ibrahim's decree is very apt, full of wisdom, and delivers an important message to every leader to be sincere and honest in their struggles.
"Leaders need to prioritise the people and the nation over a hunger for power that is devoid of meaning and rationality," he said.
Sultan Ibrahim was chosen as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term starting from Jan 31, 2024.
Chief Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, stated on Oct 27 that the selection was made during the 263rd (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers at the National Palace on that date.
Sultan Ibrahim will succeed Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whose term will conclude on Jan 30 next year.