ALOR STAR: The Sultan of Kedah today reminded that the power gained by the federal government was the result of a gift accorded by the states through the Federation of Malaya Agreement signed on Aug 5, 1957.
As such, His Royal Highness Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah said it would be unfair for the voice of the people in Kedah to be silenced, particularly on matters pertaining to history and the sovereignty of the state.
"The formation of Malaysia did not act as the turning point which permitted the state history which had existed for so long to be erased.
"Lately, discussions on the Kedah history are getting traction across all platforms. The people from all walks of life are taking part in the discourses on Kedah history especially on the status of Kedah and Penang," Sultan Sallehuddin decreed today.
Describing the discussions as a healthy development, Sultan Sallehuddin decreed that it should not be abruptly impeded, adding that it should instead be deliberated based on facts and without prejudice.
"In my opinion, this is a healthy development. I wish that the interest among the people to dwell into the true history of Kedah and Penang will not be abruptly impeded.
"The fact that Penang is a leased state should be explained based on facts and without prejudice.
"However, the discourse must be based on legitimate and actual facts. It would be better if the facts be studied in a proper and well organised manner so that they can be used as a point of reference and benefits the future generation," Sultan Sallehuddin said in his royal address during an investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 81st birthday celebration at Istana Anak Bukit today.
Present were Her Royal Highness Sultanah of Kedah, Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff and the state royalties.
Sultan Sallehuddin stressed that history was the most important source of wisdom in guiding one on the arts of statecraft.
He went on quoting an advice by Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister: "Study History. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft."
"Sir Winston Churchill in his speech in the House of Commons, the United Kingdom in 1948 reminded that those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it," he said.
Sultan Sallehuddin added that historical events which had placed the state in a difficult situation, forcing it to agree to one-sided treaties should be taken as a lesson and reminder for the state to be more cautious in making decisions and in dealings.
"The struggle to protect the rights and the sovereignty of the state nowadays is no longer in the battlefields once fought by the state's warriors. The battlefields now are at the negotiation tables and through writings.
"Nevertheless, the courage demonstrated by the late warriors as narrated in the history of Musuh Bisik War in the 19th century should be emulated and admired by the current generation.
"I wish that the state's history will continue to be treasured by all parties due to its priceless value. History cannot be bought except for it was engraved by blood and tears," stressed Sultan Sallehuddin.