KUALA LUMPUR — The royal institution remains a critical cornerstone of Malaysia’s governance, identity, and national stability amid ongoing public discussions regarding its role, says the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM).
IKIM Director-General Assoc. Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil urged the public to maintain proper decorum and a sense of responsibility when discussing the monarchy, emphasizing that its position is clearly defined by law.
“The royal institution is a vital core of Malaysia’s statehood system, which is built upon the principles of Parliamentary Democracy and a Constitutional Monarchy as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” Dr. Mohamed Azam said in a statement today.
“This position not only reflects the nation’s history and identity but also serves as the backbone of stability, unity, and the continuity of the country’s governance.”
Dr. Mohamed Azam noted that the second principle of the Rukun Negara, “Loyalty to King and Country,” manifests the commitment of all Malaysians to respect the monarchy as a symbol of national sovereignty and multi-ethnic unity. He stressed that this principle must be fully internalised in line with the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
Highlighting the legal framework, he cited Article 32(1) which stipulates the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation, and Article 44, which integrates the King into Parliament alongside the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat.
Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed Azam reiterated the monarchy’s constitutional duty under Article 3(1) to safeguard Islam as the religion of the Federation, and Article 153 to protect the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera alongside the legitimate interests of other communities. Article 181(1) also preserves the sovereignty and prerogatives of the Malay Rulers.
In concluding his statement, the Director-General called for the continuous empowerment of civic education and constitutional awareness to ensure that national unity, stability, and harmony are preserved for the future. —Bernama
