Put people's interests above personal gain, Sultan Nazrin tells office holders

KUALA KANGSAR: Those entrusted with public office must put the interests of the people above personal gain and demonstrate integrity, sincerity and nobility of character in carrying out their responsibilities, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

His Royal Highness said positions of authority came with responsibilities that required office holders to set aside personal interests and serve the people sincerely.

"Dignitaries and holders of public office must recognise that the positions bestowed upon them demand nobility of character, sincerity in service and the willingness to set aside personal interests.

"Those who serve closest to the throne must uphold the highest standards of integrity, offer truthful counsel however bitter it may be to hear, and ensure that the voices and grievances of the people reach the Sultan.

"They must do so to ensure that the reigning Sultan is never lulled into complacency by pleasant but false illusions."

Sultan Nazrin was speaking at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 70th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris.

His Royal Highness said a Sultan who inherited the royal regalia was entrusted with the responsibility of preserving the honour of the throne through just governance.

He said the dignity of the royal regalia must be reflected in the conduct of those entrusted with upholding the institution of monarchy.

His Royal Highness said the relationship between the Sultan and his people embodied a bond of shared responsibility, with the ruler tasked with protecting the people, preserving harmony and extending care and protection to those in need.

"The people, in turn, must uphold the sovereignty of the state through loyalty, respect for the law and a sincere commitment to contributing to the common good," he said.

He said the Cura Si Manja Kini Sword and Keris Taming Sari, two important pieces of royal regalia inherited from the Melaka Sultanate, embodied the principles of sovereignty, courage, loyalty and responsibility.

Sultan Nazrin said the significance of the two royal heirlooms went beyond their physical beauty and ceremonial functions, as they represented important values that should guide those entrusted with authority.

"The sharpness of these weapons should remind us of the judgement required to distinguish right from wrong. The strength of their blades should remind us of the importance of standing firm in the defence of justice.

"The beauty of their craftsmanship reflects the refinement of character that should distinguish every person entrusted with authority," he said.

He said courage must be guided by wisdom, loyalty accompanied by honesty and power exercised with justice.

Sultan Nazrin said the spirit of the Keris Taming Sari could also be reflected in the courage to defend honour and dignity, uphold justice, speak the truth, reject corruption and stand up for those who had been wronged.

"Courage also meant being willing to accept criticism, acknowledge shortcomings and undertake necessary reforms in the interests of the people," he said.

He said the two royal heirlooms remained relevant despite rapid advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence and science.

Sultan Nazrin said the faster society progressed, the more important it was for people to understand their historical roots and the foundations of their identity.

"Progress must be guided by sound principles so that development brings well-being, while change does not erode the values that define our humanity.

"These two royal heirlooms connect the present generation with the continuing history of the state.

"Their presence in royal ceremonies reminds us that the institution of monarchy carries an inherited responsibility, one that must continue to be fulfilled in accordance with the needs of the times," he said.

The Cura Si Manja Kini Sword and Keris Taming Sari were brought to Kampar by Sultan Mahmud Shah following Melaka's fall to the Portuguese in 1511.

The royal heirlooms were later bestowed upon Raja Muzaffar Shah before his departure for Perak, where he was installed as the state's first Sultan in