SULTAN of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has cautioned members of the Perak Council of State and palace dignitaries against using the royal name, their influence or official titles to pursue personal wealth, business interests or privileges.
His Royal Highness said they must also guard against being used to advance the interests of certain parties through improper means, or to exert undue pressure on others.
Corruption, abuse of power and any conduct that could bring the throne and palace into disrepute must be avoided, he said.
“Do not allow your position to become a means of seeking privileges, accumulating wealth or interfering in matters outside your responsibilities,” Sultan Nazrin said at the 175th meeting of the Perak Council of State at Istana Iskandariah today.
He also warned against careless use of social media, particularly the spread of unverified information and the disclosure of confidential matters.
“Matters entrusted to you in confidence must be kept confidential. Information whose accuracy has not been established must not be circulated.
“Opinions must be expressed with decorum, without opening the door to slander and discord. In today’s world, a single remark or recording shared on social media can give rise to various interpretations,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin urged council members and palace dignitaries to stay out of factional disputes and struggles for influence, stressing that the palace should remain an institution that unites rather than divides.
Any disagreements, he said, should be resolved through sincere and courteous consultation, with all parties practising syura and listening to one another.
“Put the interests of the state above personal desires. Do not allow the greater trust placed in you to be neglected simply because you want to defend your own position,” he said.
He also reminded them that their responsibilities extended beyond the palace, urging them to remain accessible to the people and attentive to their grievances.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, orphans, families struggling financially and marginalised communities.
“Maintain good relations with all sections of society. This state is home to people of different races, religions and backgrounds. Respect that diversity and work to strengthen unity in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the law,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin further stressed that members of the council and palace dignitaries must understand the monarchy’s role within Malaysia’s constitutional framework and respect the limits of their authority.
Their dealings with the state government and other institutions must remain professional, without interfering in administrative affairs or using their positions to advance partisan political interests.
“The palace must continue to be respected as an institution that serves as a refuge for the people and provides protection for the entire state,” he said.
He added that public confidence in the royal institution would be strengthened when those serving it demonstrated integrity, fairness and care in their words and conduct.
Sultan Nazrin also called on palace dignitaries to preserve the state’s customs and traditions, describing them as a legacy of its history, identity and the wisdom of previous generations.
However, he said those entrusted with upholding tradition must continue to acquire knowledge, understand changes in society and use technology responsibly to improve their work.
“Tradition will continue to command respect when those who uphold it preserve its enduring values while adapting its practice to the needs of the present,” he said.
He urged palace dignitaries to serve as examples to their families, officers, staff and the wider community.
“Show that those who are close to the ruler are also close to their responsibilities, and that those who are accorded honour also know how to respect others,” he said.
Also present were Raja Di Hilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, Raja Kecil Besar of Perak, Raja Datuk Seri Azlan Muzaffar Shah and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. – October 29, 2026
