IPOH: A third swearing-in ceremony to install the Perak Menteri Besar just two years after the last general election is not something to be proud of, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah said today.
In a strongly-worded speech, Sultan Nazrin took state politicians to task over the latest political conundrum, saying what happened only reflected the failures of leaders in ensuring support.
He was speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Saarani Mohamad at Istana Iskandariah here, today.
"Since the 14th general election, the swearing-in ceremony of the state Menteri Besar has been held three times. This is something unprecedented that had never taken place during the previous terms of the Perak state assembly.
"But this is not a history to be proud of. What had happened will be recorded as a reflection of failure, instead of success. (It is) the failure of leaders among politicians to ensure consistent consolidated support to allow thoughts and energy to be focused on administrating the state in the best way possible in the interest of the people."
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin said their stature was bestowed by Allah and one should not resort to corruption in exchange for power.
"It is absolute that all of the powers owned come from Allah. Hence, (a leader) must submit his loyalty to the one God. He (a leader) will persevere in upholding what is right and will oppose what is wrong. His strength, the protection upon him and personal resilience come from Allah.
"He (a leader) does not need to offer bribes or gratifications in exchange for support that is not guaranteed to be entwined with loyalty.
"He also does not need to resort to committing threats to strengthen himself, as the power which he receives in return will be utterly brittle in nature."
The ruler also pointed out the fragile nature of man upon holding position and power.
"The true nature of man will be revealed when he is given power and position, (as) words will no longer be kept or change in tones (whereby) the rhythm (irama) will be different, in which (they) will readily say black is white, and white is black.
"The true character of a man will be shown, when one has accumulated his wealth and possessions, thus forgo the culture of moderation and humility, and instead, emerge a character of arrogance."
Saarani took over from Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu who was ousted during a vote of confidence in the state assembly last week.
Ahmad Faizal only managed to garner support from 10 out of 59 assemblymen, in a move spearheaded by the state Umno to remove the former from office.
Sultan Nazrin said the change in one's character would be influenced by those in his circles.
"The change in character will be expedited when one is surrounded by those who are greedy with vested interests, duplicitous, whispering praises with hidden intentions, in which they will abuse their relationship with leaders.
"Keep this in mind, the loftier the position, the further one's view from earth on which his feet had once set upon.
"Do not let (yourself) to be intoxicated (by positions and power), letting (yourself) float in the blue sky, leaving the green blades of grass to turn brown, as they were no longer showered by rain."
Sultan Nazrin reminded all state assemblymen to focus on working for the people, as per their mandate regardless of political affiliations.
He said the people, especially the poor and those who had lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic should not be victimised by warring politicians.
"Every state assemblyman was elected by the people because they trusted in you. People put their hopes in you, for you to help them in improving the areas where they live in, preparing various necessities and services, upgrading their standard of economy and as much as possible for their social needs.
"The people in all state constituencies, either they are represented by Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen, be them Malays, Orang Asli, Chinese and Indians as well as Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and those of various faiths, have the same needs, share the same sufferings, pinning on the same hope and demanding for the same attention.
"All of the people in this state, the Malays, Orang Asli, Chinese, Indians, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists are all the creations of God, all of them are the people of His Majesty the Sultan of Perak, all of them want a state which is peaceful and prosperous, with a rule which implements justice and unity, so that the people can live in harmony.
"Do not make the people, especially among the poor, those who had lost jobs due to Covid-19, as 'kancil yang mati tersepit kerana gajah yang tidak berhenti-henti beradu' (a mousedeer that died after getting caught between two fighting elephants).
"The prayers of those who feel that they are mistreated, will not be barred from being answered by God. Do not mistreat the people due to the influence of vengeful emotions and close-minded political thinking."
Yesterday, the Saarani, who is also the Kota Tampan assemblyman, was appointed as the 14th Perak menteri besar, five days after a series of events that set off a political impasse in the state leadership.
Sultan Nazrin also expressed gratitude to Ahmad Faizal who had served as the menteri besar twice - he was first appointed on May 12, 2018, and later on March 13 after the fall of the PH federal government.
"I would like to thank the state executive councillors for their services during their tenure.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the media members who camped in front of Istana Kinta under the scorching heat of the sun and drenched in rain, performing their duties diligently, reporting and publishing the news responsibly to my people on the development of the political crisis."