KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 – Malaysia’s opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took steps to mend fences with the country’s royalty yesterday, one day following criticisms by a monarch.
On Friday evening, Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah appeared to hit out at the opposition, issuing a statement condemning the “rudeness” shown to Perak’s Sultan Azlan Shah over the state’s recent change of government.
It was the first reaction from a Malay ruler to the criticism Sultan Azlan had faced after he allowed Barisan Nasional (BN) to form Perak’s new government.
The strongly worded statement prompted politicians from the opposition coalition – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (Pas) – to make nice.
“The Sultan has given a clear message to the people on acceptable ways and decorum in communicating and interacting with the rulers or palace,” said Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR member Khalid Ibrahim, who added that he agreed with the Selangor Sultan’s views.
PKR information chief Tian Chua also agreed.
“They have a right to speak up on this if they’re unhappy,” he told The Sunday Times, but added: “But on our part, it was never our intention to be antagonistic.”
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said at a press conference: “As far as DAP is concerned, and I believe also for Pakatan, we’re not fighting the royalty.”
The conciliatory statements reflect a move by the PR to avoid angering the royalty, whom Malaysians – especially Malays – hold in high regard. Doing so could lose it much-needed support as it prepares to face off the BN in two coming by-elections.
“It’s dangerous to go there,” an opposition political aide told The Sunday Times.
Already, PR has backed down from open confrontation in recent days.
When opposition supporters protested outside Sultan Azlan’s palace earlier and DAP chief Karpal Singh threatened to sue the Sultan, BN was quick to seize on the opportunity to score political points, condemning the actions and rallying support for the monarchy.
PR, noted director of independent pollster Merdeka Centre Ibrahim Suffian, has to tread carefully as the palace asserts itself increasingly.
“It’s a political minefield and now they will have to play to many sides, not just the public,” he said. – Straits Times
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