Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Raja Nazrin extols virtues of a ruler
Raja Nazrin, however, did not in depth compare the realities of present monarchs, esp. those in the South East Asian countries where Monarchs' independence of thought, influence and action starkly varies. In particular between the Thai and Malaysian monarch.
Prof Emeritus Datuk Khoo Kay Kim was also invited to speak as a panel in a forum, after Raja Nazrin's speech. He said that a lack of importance placed in social research has retarded in depth knowledge of social sciences, including knowledge of the Malay Sultanate and its history and influence in society. The quintessential of science and technology have been overemphasised, consequently, the present generation, and for sure the future generation, will not think social sciences is relevant anymore.
After hearing Raja Nazrin's speech, might we expect a reformation in the royal circles in Malaysia in the time to come? One can always be hopeful.
Oh, RN's Malay was simply exquisite.
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Thursday September 21, 2006
Raja Nazrin extols virtues of a ruler
KUALA LUMPUR: The role of monarchs should not be merely symbolic, restricted to carrying out ceremonial and traditional duties.
In making this observation, the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah said a king was not “a frozen decorative monument without life.”
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Raja Nazrin: ‘A king should exhibit a firm, intelligent and just character’ |
The forum was held in conjunction with the 60th birthday celebration of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Raja Nazrin said a king should be able to bridge the old and the new and bring about reforms as well as retain traditions and be ready to institute changes by allowing modernisation to take place without discarding the richness of inherited customs.
For the king to act wisely, intelligently, fairly and equitably, he must have officials and advisers who are knowledgeable and do not have hidden interests, he said.
“A king should never feel pressured and should not have to give his assent if any advice presented contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, contravenes the rule of law and is in breach of the global principles of justice.
“A king should never favour actions that do not symbolise justice or accede to actions that do not reflect the truth,” he said.
Raja Nazrin said administrators appointed to govern a country must prove their loyalty to the king by carrying out their responsibilities honestly, sincerely and with full determination and commitment.
“A king falls because of the collapse of a country, and the country crumbles because of the people's anxiety.
“Weak governance causes the people to be anxious. Defective governance damages the country and, in the end, weakens the king,” he said.
The strengths and weaknesses of a king, he added, were dictated by the strengths and weaknesses of those entrusted to be his officials and advisers.
“Those given the trust and responsibility to advise the king must speak the truth however bitter it may be,” he said.
Raja Nazrin said a king should not underestimate the role of the media, which was becoming more open.
“Managing the media is an art that requires skill, charm and prudence,” he said.
He suggested the creation of a website on the monarchy to allow the world to understand the institution of the monarchy from the palace's perspective.
Raja Nazrin also said monarchs had the responsibility to help overcome terrorism.
He said they could, for example, initiate inter-religious and inter-cultural discussions, enhance the understanding of Islam, voice humanitarian demands and help those who were suffering, especially in Palestine, Afghanistan and Lebanon. –Bernama
If RN succeeds his dad and practices what he preaches, then he'll be the first Malay Sultan who not only rule with Islamic vlues but also has good looks, :p
: 5:40 PM 
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