KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has urged all quarters to respect the institution of the Malay Rulers by not issuing statements which are deemed sensitive.
The Deputy Prime Minister said such individuals should ensure that their statements take into account the sensitivities involved.
“In my opinion, there has to be sensitivity involved even though this country allows for freedom of speech.
“We have to mind our decorum especially when touching on institutions such as the constitutional monarchy,” she told the press after breaking fast with some 10,000 people at the Iftar@Kuala Lumpur programme here tonight.
She was commenting on the action of veteran newsman Datuk A Kadir Jasin, who resigned from his post as the Council of Eminent Persons' head of media and communications.
His resignation came after he had claimed in his blog that RM256.9 million was spent for the personal expenditure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V in the 16 months since the King ascended the throne.
Following that, Pakatan Harapan (PH) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim slammed Kadir for the post, stating the latter lacked decorum.
Kadir later said he did not criticise the Malay Rulers, stressing that his post on the Agong was 'just his personal view'.
Police have since opened an investigation paper into Kadir following his blog post.
Meanwhile, in the same programme, Dr Wan Azizah performed Maghrib prayers with attendees.
She then officiated the Malam Tujuh Likur@Dataran Merdeka programme by lighting up a giant kerosene lamp.
Also present at the event was Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Fahmi Fadzil.