RULERS ARE ABOVE POLITICS, CAN'T ANSWER ALLEGATIONS OPENLY

KUALA KANGSAR (Malaysia), April 20 (Bernama) -- Rulers are above politics
and as such they cannot participate in open debate to answer allegations hurled
against them by political groups, the Ruler of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, said
Sunday.

He said that the action of certain political groups in provoking the people
and sowing seeds of hatred against the rulers, was akin to fanning "embers in
the chaff" which, he said, was a dangerous act and could destroy the peace
enjoyed by the people and the country.

"These groups are allowing the end to justify the means by condoning such
acts.

"These groups and individuals feel that they are faultless and immune from
any action, to the extend of disregarding the law for the sake of attaining
power," he said at the loyalty pledge and Perak awards ceremony in conjunction
with his 81st birthday at the Iskandariah Palace here Sunday.

Sultan Azlan Shah also said that he felt that there was too much politicking
in the country at the moment and that this would affect economic productivity
and the country's image in the eyes of the international community.

"In facing the global economic crisis, too much politicking is not helpful
to the people who are struggling to make ends meet," he said.

He added that leaders of various political parties should find a meeting
point from which they could work out ways to cooperate for the sake of the
country and people.

Sultan Azlan Shah also spoke on the need to correct what he described as the
misconception that the constitutional monarchy was just a symbol devoid of any
power.

He said the rulers were neither blind, deaf nor mute. In fact, he added,
they were fully aware of what was going on in the country.

"It should be stressed that the constitutional monarchy has three rights --
the right to give views and counsel, the right to encourage and motivate, and
the right to remind and reprimand," he said.

Sultan Azlan Shah said that although the constitutional monarchy acted
based on the power vested in it under the constitution, it would be erroneous to
think that the role of a ruler was similar to that of a president whose
functions had been pre-defined in the constitution.

"The role of the constitutional monarchy goes beyond what is stipulated in
the constitution.

"The rulers have a far wider responsibility in ensuring that the spirit of
the constitution, the philosophy behind the written law, and the interest of the
country and the people are safeguarded at all times," he said.

He said that based on the spirit behind the formation of the Federation of
the Malay States, the rulers were responsible in protecting the privileges and
position of the Rulers Institution, Islam, the Malay language and the legitimate
interest of other races.

"These are the basis of understanding and the ingredients which resulted in
the formation of an independent and sovereign nation, enabling its people to
live in peace and harmony," he said.

Sultan Azlan Shah said that throughout Malaysia's 52 years of nationhood,
the country's administration had seen its ups and downs.

"I myself have been giving views and advice either openly of behind closed
doors on matters which I think should be rectified," he said.

He called on the people to be wary of attempts to provoke them into
dismantling the system and institution as this could create chaos in the
country.

-- BERNAMA