KUALA KANGSAR, 5 Nov 2008: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, has called on the people to think rationally and to stop politicising the position and eminence of the Malay rulers, Islam, Malay as the national language, special position of the Malays and genuine interests of other communities, which are enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
He said the interest of the people who elected the government should be given priority, and that the peace and harmony among the people should not be sacrificed because of the power struggle among certain leaders and groups.
“Today, if there are mistakes and derailment in the implementation of certain policies, what needs correction is the implementation mechanism. The core policies, which are the foundation in the nation-building process, should not be touched, tried or challenged at all.
“It is feared that such actions, if not stopped, would hurt the feelings of the Malays,” he said at the handing over of a memorandum by Gabungan Melayu Perak (GMP) at the Istana Iskandariah here today.
Also present were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa.
Sultan Azlan said any amendment to the constitution pertaining to the rulers and their jurisdiction over Islam, the national language, the position of the Malays and bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak should be consented first by the rulers.
He said that the rulers understood that the Federal Constitution also recognised and safeguarded the interests of the various races, religions, languages and cultures.
“The understanding and agreement which are enshrined in the social contract have enabled the country to achieve success, progress, harmony and stability,” he said.
About 2,000 representatives of Malay non-governmental organisations, silat and arts associations throughout the state, headed by GMP chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hilmi Ismail, participated in a peaceful march from the Ubudiah Mosque to the palace to hand over the memorandum.
Mohd Hilmi said the memorandum, among other things, expressed gratitude for the special statement issued by the rulers in October 2008, which touched on issues related to the rulers, Islam, Malay language, special privileges of the Malays and the interests of other communities. — Bernama
