KUALA LUMPUR -- The nation’s monarchy, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in particular, is a symbol of Malaysia’s sovereignty. His proclamation and role has been defined under the constitution.
As such, the change of government following Pakatan Harapan’s win in the 14th General Elections in May would not affect his role, function and position as the head of state, says Constitutional law expert and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) law lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz.
The change in government saw Sultan Muhammad V going down in the nation’s history as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong to reign in an era with two different governments.
When he was appointed as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 13, 2016, the ruling government was led by Barisan Nasional.
On May 10, Pakatan Harapan took over the country’s leadership after a historical win in the 14th General Election.
When the Agong officiated the first meeting of the first session of the 14h Parliament last July 17, His Majesty welcomed the new government’s approach to transparency, especially in revealing the state of the country’s finances and the reviewing of projects and expenses.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
In June, Sultan Muhammad V showed his concern with the country’s debt and economic situation by taking a 10 percent cut in his salary and emoluments as the Agong.
The monarch also ordered Istana Negara to not hold its annual Hari Raya open house this year and to use the estimated allocation to help those in need instead.
The Agong also decreed that his official birthday celebrations and the royal tea reception on Sept 9 be cancelled and the allocated funds to be returned to the government via Tabung Harapan Malaysia.
Syamrahayu sees these royal gestures by the Agong as consideration of the efforts of the current government.
The change in government has caused the royal institution and the Agong, in particular, to review political developments within the government.
“This can be seen by His Majesty’s decree to not confer royal titles in conjunction with his official birthday celebrations as well as the cancellation of the birthday celebration and royal tea reception itself,” she says.
She says that these were among the matters that the Pakatan Harapan government need to take into consideration in their bid to realise the visions of Malaysia Baharu (New Malaysia).
At the same time, she believes that the Agong’s decisions was not an indication of royal support for any political parties but as a form of courtesy to the new government, which came into power through the democratic process of election.
Shamrahayu views it as a form of synergy between the King and government.
“The display of support is not an indication of a political stand but more of standing in solidarity with the people and that which benefits them and the nation,” she says.
THE NATION’S IDENTITY AND SOVEREIGNTY
Syamrahayu says the Agong represents the nation’s sovereignty and identity.
“Therefore, it has become the government’s responsibility to facilitate and ensure that the royal institution can perform its duties and vital functions,” she says.
The former minister of Information, Communication and Culture Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim opines that His Majesty’s consent to the deduction of his salary and emolument and the cancellation of other official functions was in line with the government’s direction.
“No matter who leads the government, that is still His Majesty’s government. Thus, the issue of whether he supports a government should not come up at all. The Agong is apolitical and he will only abide by the Constitution.
He called for the government to increase its efforts in educating the younger generation to respect the royal institution led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“The younger generation needs more guidance in the matter. Some have used inappropriate language and shown disrespect for the institution,” he said.
ABOUT SULTAN MUHAMMAD V
Sultan Muhammad V was elected as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong by the Conference of Rulers for a five-year term starting Dec 13, 2016, taking over from Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.
Sultan Muhammad V was born on Oct 6, 1969 at Istana Batu, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Seri Paduka was the first born prince of Sultan Ismail Petra and Tengku Anis Tengku Abdul Hamid.
Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, 49, took the regnal name Sultan Muhammad V after being proclaimed the 29th Sultan Kelantan on Sept 13, 2010.
Sultan Muhammad V was appointed Crown Prince at the age of 16, and as the Regent of Kelantan before his 40th birthday.
His Majesty has three siblings namely Kelantan Regent Tengku Dr Muhammad Faiz Petra, 44, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, 40, and Tengku Amalin A'ishah Putri, 34.
The monarch received early education at Sekolah Sultan Ismail 1 Kota Bharu before continuing his education at the Alice Smith International School in Kuala Lumpur.
He then left to study at Oakham School in Rutland in England until 1989 before proceeding to study. He then attended St Cross College, Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to read diplomatic studies, graduating in 1991.
Sultan Muhammad V was elected Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong in October 2011. He served in that post from Dec 13, 2011 until his election as Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 13, 2016.
As His Majesty is also the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, and Colonel-in-chief of the Royal Artillery Regiment, he has shown deep interest in organisations associated with security and the military.
His Majesty has consented to be the patron of various sports associations as well as charitable organisations. He has shown deep interest in 4x4 motorsports expeditions, equestrian activities, archery and shooting. -- Bernama
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