Do not normalize statements belittling the royal institution

Utusan Malaysia, a prominent voice in Malaysian media, reports on concerns raised by the Humanitarian Society of Malaysia (MHO) regarding the normalization of critical statements about the country's royal institution. Daniel Khoo, the Public Relations Chief Officer of MHO, stressed that remarks perceived as questioning the monarchy should not be accepted as commonplace in the nation's political discourse.

“

Statements that seem to question the royal institution should not be normalized in the country's political space.

Khoo specifically called for caution among politicians and the public when making statements about the Malay Rulers, highlighting the deep sensitivity surrounding the issue for Malaysians and its direct impact on national harmony. He pointed to the active engagement of the Sultan of Pahang and the Crown Prince of Pahang, who consistently interact with the public, address community issues, and provide assistance regardless of race, as examples of the Rulers' dedication to their people.

“

We can see for ourselves how my Sultan in Pahang, including the Crown Prince of Pahang, always go down to see the people's situation, listen to the community's problems and help the people regardless of race.

"That is why I feel it is inappropriate for some parties, including politicians, especially former Member of Parliament Tony Pua, to make statements touching on the powers of the Rulers in a way that seems to belittle the royal institution," Khoo stated. He argued that Malaysia's practice of constitutional monarchy should not serve as a pretext to belittle or disregard the position of the Malay Rulers. "Do not use the discussion of limited powers as a reason to look down on the royal institution. The Malay Rulers still hold a very important position in the country and are respected by the people."

“

That is why I feel it is inappropriate for some parties, including politicians, especially former Member of Parliament Tony Pua, to make statements touching on the powers of the Rulers in a way that seems to belittle the royal institution.

The MHO official further cautioned that such statements cannot be normalized as they could negatively affect societal harmony in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation like Malaysia. He urged all parties to maintain decorum and respect sensitivities when discussing the Malay Rulers, emphasizing that "the people still hold the Royal Institution in high regard."

“

Do not use the discussion of limited powers as a reason to look down on the royal institution. The Malay Rulers still hold a very important position in the country and are respected by the people.