BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ
Malay rulers are starting to buck the trend and have over the years been steadily asserting their influence and authority on the nation which is really a refreshing and welcome change for many Malaysians.
The Malay rulers have all along been playing a stealth role in being the custodians of the rakyat but all that has started to change and witness how they now stride forward powerfully as a ruling authority.
They have come out of the shadows and since the last few general elections, they have been playing a forward role in determining the fate of this nation and acting as a check and balance on politicians of all stripes.
While traditionally the Malay rulers are in the background and are apolitical, all these have changed and see now how they are collectively gathering to discuss matters of pressing issues which concern all Malaysians.
This is a bold stride by them, but many Malaysians feel it is vital and necessary for the Yang DiPertuan Agong and his brother rulers to intervene in critical matters, as there is no other right of recourse except perhaps legal action.
If Malaysia was a republic, then the president would be called upon to give his counsel and guidance, but since Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, the decisions made by the Conference of Rulers will expectedly cover all angles of a situation, problem, or crisis.
This is why never have Malaysians ever approached the Malay Rulers so often especially in stalemate situations to steer the country towards political stability and well-being and they are more frequently being called upon for advice now.
There are, however, the detractors and the less sanguine, who point out that the Malay rulers should not intervene or interfere in affairs of the state and to leave it to the prime minister as head of government.
But unfortunately, Malaysia’s political climate requires third party intervention, and this is where the Malay rulers are ideally positioned to safeguard and protect parliamentary democracy and the interests of all Malaysians.
The Malay rulers have come a long way since the inception of the country on August 31, 1957 and their proactive role nowadays has saved the country from becoming a failed state by ensuring that the public delivery system still works.
Malay rulers are also known not to act alone but to consider matters by consulting all parties who have a vested interest in a matter and they also have the availability of a slew of advisers on a wide range of concerns.
They do not pretend to know everything but display tact, sensitivity, maturity, and wisdom in delivering a verdict or judgement on what they feel is right and proper and in the best interests of all connected to an issue.
In the light of these developments, until politicians on both sides of the divide can come right, the Malay rulers are expected to be called upon from time to time to decide the fate and direction of this nation.
In the spirit of national unity, let us cherish and value the important role that Malay rulers are playing now and show thankfulness and appreciation to them as they exercise the protocol of wise rulers.
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher
