Ruler slams street politics

(The Star Online) - SEREMBAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, in his first speech at the state assembly, expressed disappointment that certain groups had resorted to street demonstrations that disturbed the peace.

Tuanku Muhriz hit out at these groups, saying that these actions could only adversely affect unity and peace.

“We cannot be provoking one another as this could cause racial tensions. We should all learn from history, such animosity will only bring about destruction,” he said, when opening the state assembly here yesterday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar also said it would not benefit anyone if politicians played the racial card to gain support, adding that representatives should instead educate the people on the importance of preserving racial harmony.

“We cannot be fanatics, emotional or racist. We must respect one another and hold to the principles of rule of law and sovereignty of the Constitution. Also, we should not interpret the law as we wish,” he said.

The 60-year-old Ruler was proclaimed the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar on Dec 29 last year, following the death of his uncle Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman. He will be installed as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan on Oct 26.

Tuanku Muhriz also urged politicians on both side of the divide to put aside their differences and to work collectively towards strengthening racial ties.

He urged politicians to pool their resources together to find solutions to counter the current economic problems, the worst since the 1930s Great Depression.

“I am not saying we cannot have differing views. But when we are faced with a situation where the interests of all Malaysians are affected, we must come together and face these challenges irrespective of race, religion or beliefs,” he said.

Fifteen of the state’s 36 assemblymen are from the Opposition.

Tuanku Muhriz said the state government should continue to focus on three sectors — industries, agriculture and tourism — as catalysts for growth.

He said although new investments in the state fell from RM2.7bil in 2007 to RM1.2bil last year, these sectors had plenty of potential.