The Royal Institution : A Mechanism Of Check And Balance To Enhance A

Democratic Culture

Thank you to the chairperson. A very good afternoon to the honourable judges,
esteemed timekeepers, beloved teachers, dearest fellow speakers and members
of the floor.

"The monarchy in Malaysia has discretionary powers set out in the Constitution,
but also responsibilities that go beyond what is written to what is intended. The
Rulers are not, nor can they be, deaf, blind and dumb to the critical issues on
which the nation is hinged. They must speak with clarity and firmness especially
for those who cannot. As the nation experiences political, economic and social
change, the institution of the monarchy will have to adapt to the new realities if it
is to remain fresh and vibrant."

From His Royal Highness, Raja Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah's Address at the Oxford
and Cambridge Society Dinner, on 27th June 2008. This beauty of a quote is an apt
introduction to the topic that I am going to discuss today; The Royal Institution : a
mechanism of check and balance to enhance a democratic culture. Before we go
in depth into the topic, let me lay out the four key points of our discussion today:
First; Royal Institution Above All. Secondly; Maintaining Unity Amidst Diversity.
Thirdly; The Protector of the Constitution, and last but not least; The Ruler of the
people for the people

Teachers and friends, Let me begin to elaborate on the first key-point; Royal
Institution Above All, by highlighting another quote from our beloved royal
highness:

"For until and unless Rulers are placed above everyday politics - and the
controversies that will inevitably follow - they will be unable to carry out their
constitutional functions properly. These functions are necessary for the
democracy in this country."

It is clearly stated here, that the royal institution must be upheld in the highest
position, especially above politics. This is to ensure that the Royal Institutions
could work as the check and balance mechanism for the democratic culture in
this country. The democracy system in Malaysia is far too young to be considered
solid and without weaknesses, thus it is imperative that we have the Royal
Institution as the guardian, making sure that no party is trying to abuse the
democracy system or doing something that is fatal for the nation and its people in
the name of democracy.

Members of the floor,

Let us move on to the second key-point; Maintaining Unity Amidst Diversity.

Democracy is about the voice of the people. and as we all know, Malaysians are
colourful and diverse. Unfortunately the political scenario within Malaysia itself,
has become a paradox. Our democracy culture seems to promote disunity and
separation. Once again, our royal highness has highlighted the role of the Royal
institution in countering this problem. Allow me to quote: .

The monarchy is extended to Malaysians of all ethnic and religious identities.

Therefore, the monarchy is more than just a symbol of unity.It is a force for
moderation over extremism. Increasingly, the Rulers have made their voices heard
on important issues, especially against fanaticism and chauvinism. Because of the
special position they hold in society, the Rulers have the ability to persuade in a
way that few others can. 5 th August 2009

In this lengthy quote, our royal highness has explained how the Royal Institution
plays its role as the voice of reason and good governance in maintaining unity
amidst the diversity. The ruler posses the ability beyond the others, and in times
where democracy might fail us, the Royal Institution would be our savior.
Teachers and friends,

This brings me to my third key-point; ; The Protector of the Constitution. In order

to enlighten everyone on this point, I would like to once again quote the wise
words of our royal highness, Raja Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah who has stated that:

The monarchy is not all form and no function.It has far more influence. Our
constitution places the monarchy as the guardian of justice, the arbiter in times of
conflict

. He further used the term, constitutionally provided stabilizer, to symbolize the

roles of the Royal Institution within the countrys democratic climate.Our
constitution has laid out not only what our rights are but also what the limits to
those rights are. These limits safeguard us by ensuring that decisions are not
made by those who wield the most power. This is example of the elements within
our constitution guarded by our Royal Institution

Members of the floor,

Last but not least, let me end the discussion today with the final key-point; The
Ruler of People, for the People. As aforementioned previously, the Royal
Institution is the true ruler who can unite people amidst diversity. True Ruler of
the people will always put his people first. Even though democracy, in its whole
idealistic glory has always proclaims that they are the representative of the
people, the sad reality is,it is often not the case. Therefore when such catastrophy
takes place, we can always be certain that we can rely on the Royal Institution to
take charge and make right of what has been made wrong.

Judges,teachers and friends,

We should be reminded that everyone; citizens, political leaders and rulers that
Malaysia practises parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. No
one should for any reason think that absolute power rests with them, and that
parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy can be ignored.

Malaysia is a peaceful and stable country. We are not prone to violence and
assassinations to overthrow dictators. However, no one should invite such actions
by abusing their positions. We must respect the Constitutions and we must always
ensure that in this blessed country the rule of law is upheld at all times. Those in
power must always remember that the power conferred on them is not for
personal glory but for the performance of the duties for which they hold their
positions.

I wish all judges, facilitators, speakers and members of the floor a constructive and
fulfilling day ahead.