The New Straits Times
by Syed Umar Ariff
The sultan said all forms of debate concerning sensitive issues should be avoided as they would only widen the racial and religious gap between the people of the country.
He also reminded the people to learn from the May 13 incident in 1969, when peace was disrupted by a group of extremists.
"Any confusion (pertaining to sensitive matters) should be explained in detail, so that the people will live together harmoniously and peacefully, in ensuring the well-being of all," said the sultan.
At the same time, the sultan warned against those misinterpreting and amending the Constitution for personal gains, lest the document was reduced into a meaningless paper.
He also said people should refrain from questioning the power of rulers as such matters were not for debate as stipulated in the Constitution or state enactment.
Sultan Ibrahim said there were those who had forgotten the importance of the royal institution and had attempted to eradicate its authority.
However, he said, the same people would turn to the rulers for assistance and protection when facing certain problems.
"You throw away your umbrella during a fine weather, but come running to look for it during heavy rain," said the sultan.
Sultan Ibrahim also said that Malaysia had become a model country for being able to unify people of various races, religions and cultures.
He, however, added that some quarters of late had been championing the rights of their race and questioning the special rights of the Malays, which had long been enshrined in the Constitution.
"We must remember that the special privileges provided to the Malays have never denied the rights of other races, since they are also accorded rights under the Constitution.
"All of this is the culmination of the hard work put forth by our past leaders. What is important now for the country is that we must work together to develop our country."
by Syed Umar Ariff
JOHOR BARU: The sultan of Johor yesterday reminded the judiciary and courts to exercise caution when handling cases that are deemed to be sensitive, especially those related to the power of rulers.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said sensitive cases should be rejected in order to safeguard racial harmony.
"This is because even if the cases are heard and judgments are passed, there are bound to be parties that are not satisfied (with the judgments).
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said sensitive cases should be rejected in order to safeguard racial harmony.
"This is because even if the cases are heard and judgments are passed, there are bound to be parties that are not satisfied (with the judgments).
"Therefore, it is better that such cases are not entertained, especially the ones involving the power of rulers," he said in his speech when opening the state-level seminar on the Federal Constitution here.
The sultan said all forms of debate concerning sensitive issues should be avoided as they would only widen the racial and religious gap between the people of the country.
He also reminded the people to learn from the May 13 incident in 1969, when peace was disrupted by a group of extremists.
"Any confusion (pertaining to sensitive matters) should be explained in detail, so that the people will live together harmoniously and peacefully, in ensuring the well-being of all," said the sultan.
At the same time, the sultan warned against those misinterpreting and amending the Constitution for personal gains, lest the document was reduced into a meaningless paper.
He also said people should refrain from questioning the power of rulers as such matters were not for debate as stipulated in the Constitution or state enactment.
Sultan Ibrahim said there were those who had forgotten the importance of the royal institution and had attempted to eradicate its authority.
However, he said, the same people would turn to the rulers for assistance and protection when facing certain problems.
"You throw away your umbrella during a fine weather, but come running to look for it during heavy rain," said the sultan.
Sultan Ibrahim also said that Malaysia had become a model country for being able to unify people of various races, religions and cultures.
He, however, added that some quarters of late had been championing the rights of their race and questioning the special rights of the Malays, which had long been enshrined in the Constitution.
"We must remember that the special privileges provided to the Malays have never denied the rights of other races, since they are also accorded rights under the Constitution.
"All of this is the culmination of the hard work put forth by our past leaders. What is important now for the country is that we must work together to develop our country."
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