KUALA KANGSAR – Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah today denounced the inability of Perak's leadership to obtain consistent support from their peers, as he has had to swear in three menteris besar since the 14th general election, an unprecedented trend for the country.
In presiding over the swearing-in of new Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad today, the ruler gave a strong message to politicians to stop scheming and battling each other for power.
Sultan Nazrin described such practices as detrimental to the public, especially to those who are already suffering from the economic downturn stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In his address at the ceremony in Istana Iskandariah here today, he told his state’s lawmakers to bury the hatchet and let bygones be bygones for the sake of maintaining peace.
“The people, especially those from the lower income group and the poor who have lost their jobs and incomes because of the Covid-19 pandemic, should not become victims when two powerful forces do not stop fighting,” he said.
“The prayers of those who have been victimised will be received directly by God. Do not victimise the people just because you are influenced by vengeful emotions and a stagnant political mindset,” said Sultan Nazrin.
The ruler added that leaders must be able to obtain support consistently so that they can focus their energy and efforts on administering the state.
Warning against arrogance
Meanwhile, Sultan Nazrin also advised state lawmakers that a true leader with strong faith in God has no need to offer monetary rewards as a bargaining chip to gain support and loyalty.
He said one who submits himself loyally to God will stand up for what is right while firmly opposing what is wrong.
“He does not need to offer money or rewards to obtain support and loyalty that might not even materialise; at the same time, he will not need to threaten others to build his strength because strength acquired in that manner is very fragile,” said Sultan Nazrin.
He warned that a person’s true character will surface after he obtains power and position. Some will change their tune from being humble to becoming arrogant and conceited.
He said this change in character can be sped up when such an individual is surrounded by sycophants with personal agendas who pander to their leader and abuse their relationship.
The sultan said that leaders must never forget who they fundamentally are and those who helped them achieve success once they have acquired positions of power.
Former teacher turned politician
Saarani, who is Kota Tampan assemblyman, was sworn in as the 14th Perak menteri besar at 11.20am.
The 59-year-old former teacher first became an assemblyman in 1999 when he was elected as the rep for Lenggong.
However, in 2004, he moved to contest in Kota Tampan, where he has remained undefeated since. He also served as state executive councillor from 2004 to 2018.
Saarani operated as the opposition chief for a while after Barisan Nasional’s (BN) defeat in the 14th general election to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
However, when the PH administration collapsed in April this year, he was once again appointed an executive councillor.
Saarani is Umno’s most senior member in Perak, holding the position of state liaison chairman.
The Perak government had collapsed last Friday after then menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu lost a confidence vote in the state assembly with 48 against, 10 in support and one damaged or abstained.
Faizal, who is also Bersatu deputy president, tendered his resignation to the sultan the next day, which automatically dissolved the state executive council. – The Vibes, December 10, 2020
