The Sultan did not provide specific reasons for directing his remarks at the two individuals.
PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on a DAP assemblyman and a former DAP leader in the state to revisit and better understand the principles of the Rukun Negara, in what observers view as a pointed reminder on the importance of respecting the monarchy and national values.
In a statement, the Selangor ruler said he had personally visited Dataran Selangor to inspect a newly completed Rukun Negara Monument Plaque, which has been installed facing the Selangor state flagpole.
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The plaque, together with accompanying public benches, was constructed by the Selangor Public Works Department (JKR), with the project fully funded by the Sultan.
The ruler said the monument was intended to remind Malaysians, particularly the younger generation, of the origins and significance of the Rukun Negara, which was formulated following the May 13, 1969, racial riots to strengthen national unity.
“The National Operations Council (Mageran), established as the governing body at the time, discussed and formulated the Rukun Negara as a manifestation of the national ideology aimed at strengthening unity among the races in this country,” he said in a statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page.
Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that visitors to Dataran Selangor would read and appreciate the five principles of the Rukun Negara, describing them as the foundation of unity among Malaysians.
In a rare public rebuke directed at politicians, the ruler also urged all Selangor assemblymen to visit the site twice a month to read and reflect on the national philosophy.
He specifically named Seri Kembangan assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki and former Selangor DAP exco member Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, suggesting they visit the square once a week.
“In particular, I urge Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki of DAP and former Selangor DAP exco member Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew to visit Dataran Selangor once a week to better understand and appreciate the meaning of the Rukun Negara, so as to become citizens who respect the sovereignty of the Royal Institution and uphold courtesy and morality,” he said.
The Sultan did not provide specific reasons for directing his remarks at the two individuals.
However, the statement is widely understood to be linked to the ongoing controversy over pig farming in Selangor, as both figures had previously been associated with the issue in public discourse and criticism.
The remarks by Wong and Ronnie had earlier drawn criticism from several quarters, particularly within the Malay and Muslim communities, over comments relating to pig farming projects in Selangor, which were perceived by some as disrespectful to the Selangor ruler.
Sultan Sharafuddin had previously maintained his position that he does not consent to any pig farming activities being carried out in any district in the state.
Following the controversy, a “Daulat Tuanku” rally was held last Saturday at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building in Shah Alam as a show of loyalty to the Selangor ruler, drawing about 3,000 participants.
