Royal institution isn’t ornamental, has important role to play in selecting EC members: Sultan Nazrin

KUALA LUMPUR – In view of the changing trends, where voters are far more educated and politically aware than in the past, it is imperative that the Conference of Rulers plays a role to ensure that the Election Commission (EC) is “without the shadow of a doubt” free and fair.

Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said that together with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Conference of Rulers must fulfil the duties under the federal constitution to ensure that the EC gains public trust.

The royals can play their role through the selection of EC members, which is finalised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in consultation with his brother rulers.

The king should pay special attention when selecting EC members and ensure that they command public trust, seeing that they cannot simply be dismissed barring grounds to do so, similar to the position of a Federal Court judge.

“As the people become more educated, higher literacy levels and easy access to information means a society that is more exposed to all forms of information and knowledge.

“The citizens are no longer blindly lapping up news thrust at them,” said the royalty at the launch of a book titled ‘Pilihan Raya Demokrasi Malaysia: Tanding, Pilih, Menang dan Tadbir’ (Malaysian Democratic Elections: Contest, Vote, Win and Administer) at The Majestic Hotel here today.”

“In facing current scenarios and moving forward, it is imperative to build mutual understanding – mutual respect between the royal institution embodied by the Conference of Rulers and the institution of state represented by the legislature and the executive, while the judiciary who are above the executive influence, formulate a process that reinforces public trust in the selection of the chairman and members of the Election Commission to ensure that elections are conducted free and fair, and seen, without a shadow of doubt, to be free and fair.”

Recently, the EC’s credibility came under question over its decision to close a few polling centres during the Johor election as early as 11am.

Stressing on the issue, Sultan Nazrin also pointed out that the nation’s royal institution has far more role to play than merely being an ornament only used for ceremonial purposes.

“The royal institution is recognised by the federal constitution to fulfil a position of trust and an effective check and balance mechanism, to assess all manner of concerns presented before the Crown.

“Through the millennia and traditionally, the throne has been the place of reference and refuge for commoners seeking justice. The Crown, with wisdom and objectivity has lent its ears to all parties, providing a safe space to hear the grievances of all.

“The Crown has been carefully observing the political dynamics and is convinced that in this current era, the Crown must put in place a role that is viewed as fair and equitable by the citizens.

“The Crown must continue to be dynamic and zealous in meeting the needs of the nation, especially in being an effective check and balance mechanism and be an instrument of unity in chaos.

“Together with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Conference of Rulers must fulfil their duties under the federal constitution to ensure that the EC gains public trust,” said Sultan Nazrin. – The Vibes, March 21, 2022