Monarch Must Be Multi-Faceted Person

Monarch Must Be Multi-Faceted Person

 
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - The monarchy system has undergone tremendous challenges but has managed to overcome them all. Some have disappeared but some are still being maintained and upheld.

Some have been given a new meaning while some rejuvenated and some have become stronger. His Royal Highness Raja Muda of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Raja Nazrin Shah touched on many issues regarding monarchy in a keynote address at the Special Forum on the Malay Islamic Monarchy Philosophy last night.

The speech entitled "Excellence in the Monarchy System" covered the dynamics and scenarios of 400 years of history of the Monarchy Institution from Europe to the Middle East and in Asia.

HRH Raja Nazrin Shah said the monarchy is not just a ceremonious symbol and is not a lifeless monument. Monarchs must exhibit a firm personality, be wise and fair as well as knowledgeable and they must master the skills of managing a country.

Managing a country is not as easy as it looks and is implemented through an effective mechanism that is efficient and not easily swayed.

HRH also touched on the uprising of the Islamic movement that needs an understanding of the reality on what has happened and will happen.

The frustration among the pioneers of this movement has become the main cause of terrorism that is affecting global security. Monarchies have a responsibility to tackle these threats, be they monarchs from Islamic countries or those who are not.

They can help by organising a multi-faith and cultural dialogue besides increasing the understanding towards Islam and together voice humanitarian issues, advocate and assist those suffering in Palestine, Afghanistan and Lebanon.

A monarch can take the effective steps in helping the process of rationalisation among Muslims and non-Muslims in their respective countries, he said. HRH Raja Nazrin Shah also said the monarchs and the royal families nowadays are no longer isolated in the palace.

Through educational exposure and information technology and communication, a monarch has the opportunity to follow different events directly. The relation between the people and the monarch is no longer limited to a group of palace dignitaries.

This is a healthy development but is also challenging. With it a monarch needs to prove his achievements, fulfill the people's needs, exhibit personality that is inline with the honour that is given.

Quoting a titah by His Majesty Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah that as long a.s the people have faith towards the king and honour the monarchy institutions, the throne will not be moved from the palace to the museum.

A throne becomes history when wrong advices are given by irresponsible palace dignitaries misusing the good name of the monarch.

The strength and weakness of a monarch is influenced by the strength and weaknesses of those that have been given responsibility to become a state dignitary or advisor.

The relations between the monarch, dignitaries, leaders and the people must be built properly through effective communication.

HRH Raja Nazrin Shah said the frontline that has been given the task and responsibilities to advice the monarch must have to be knowledgeable, always speak the truth no matter what.

If this bridge of communication is strengthened then understanding can be spread, the harmonic relation strengthened and Insya-Allah, the monarch will be safe in his throne and loved by the people.