NST Online » NewsBreak2008/03/17
Raja Nazrin reminds new MB of royal institution's importance
KUALA KANGSAR, Mon: The Regent of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah has reminded newly-appointed Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin the need to understand the basis and role of the royal institution in the formation of the state government to foster good relationships between the palace and the tripartite state government.
By virtue of his appointment as Menteri Besar, he said Nizar has become a member of Perak's Dewan Negara and must be the effective bridge that links the people to the palace and vice versa. "The harmony in the relationship between royalty and the government is one of the pre-requisite to ensure the stability of a government and the prosperity of a state," he said today after welcoming and congratulating Nizar, the Pasir Panjang assemblyman, during the opening of the state's Dewan Negara meeting at Istana Iskandariah, here. "The royal institution is part of the history and system of government for this Malay heartland. It has remained relevant and had fulfilled an effective role throughout the years; during the colonial era, the Japanese occupation and through the pre and post independence period which finally chose the system of Constitutional Rulers and Parliamentary democracy," he said. Raja Nazrin pointed out that in every phase of time, the institution had remained intact, being able to undergo the necessary changes in its role and approaches in functioning as the umbrella where the people could come under as a source of justice, for the granting of pardon and special privileges and the pillar of stability.
"The honour of the royal institution must be upheld together. All members of the Dewan Negara are part of the component of this royal institution. As such, the members should execute their role intelligently and with great manners so as to protect the good name of the Royal Institution from being smeared," he said. Raja Nazrin Shah said members of the Dewan Negara were also the representative of the Sultan of Perak, especially to the various Orang Besar given responsibilities as the Orang Besar Jajahan, who are the eyes and the ears of the Ruler in their respective areas. "The Ruler and the palace are the protectors of the culture and glory of the government of which its history in this country is the pillar of the Malay government. As such, the tradition and modesty of the palace should never be defiled," he said. Raja Nazrin also conveyed the thanks from Sultan Azlan Shah and the Dewan to former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali for his role and contribution as a member of the Dewan Negara and said that he is confident that Tajol Rosli would continue to play a constructive and productive role for the prosperity of the state.
