The manner in which the nation’s rulers handled the recent developments involving the abdication of Sultan Muhammad V as Yang di-Pertuan Agong reflects the maturity and robustness of the institution of monarchy.
If the situation had not been dealt with swiftly and sagaciously, it could have led to a crisis.
“It (recent events) was a maturing process for the institution of monarchy. We all saw how harmoniously the Conference of Rulers handled the issue, which could have triggered a crisis if it was not dealt with properly,” says constitutional law expert Associate Prof Shamrahayu Abd Aziz.
The abdication of Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 6 was unprecedented and can be regarded as a significant event, particularly in the history of the monarchy because it was the first time the institution had found itself in such a situation.
As the nation’s supreme institution, the monarchy is bound to face challenges of various dimensions. As such, various situations and challenges can crop up from time to time.
Shamrahayu said the rulers had obviously paid due attention to the recent developments as it involved the status of the institution of monarchy itself.
“Monarchies all over the world face challenges and ours is not an exception. As we have seen, many countries in this world have lost their monarchies and as citizens who love our royal institution, we hope the Conference of Rulers will continue to contribute to the nation,” she said.
Noting the unswerving spirit of consensus among the members of the Conference of Rulers, she said they also always prioritised the nation and the people, as well as the preservation of the institution of monarchy itself.
It is this very spirit that renders all the decisions taken by the Conference of Rulers well thought out and for the benefit of all concerned.
Perak Dewan Negara member Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini, meanwhile, described the abdication of Sultan Muhammad V as a form of test to enable the people to evaluate the steadfastness of the institution of monarchy.
“You can only put something to the test when a challenge comes along. When the sea is calm, the ship can sail (smoothly) without any interference but when there is a storm or hurricane, that’s the time to see whether the captain is skilled enough to control the ship.
“The leadership can only be tested during turbulent times and not when it is calm. The rulers are not only tested by national-level issues but also those at the state level,” he said.
Citing the case of Perak, Mohd Annuar said when the State Legislative Assembly was suspended in 2008 and 2018 as no coalition had won enough seats to form the state government, it was the palace they turned to for a solution.
“The palace played a role to stabilise the uncertain situation in the state. This is where the wisdom of the sultan and palace can help restore calm,” he said.
He also said that the meetings convened by the Conference of Rulers were an important platform to bring under one roof the leadership of the various states regardless of their political ideology or party they belonged to.
This is because the various menteris besar or chief ministers have to accompany their respective ruler or governor when a meeting is convened.
Mohd Annuar also said that the people’s reactions and response to Sultan Muhammad V abdicating as Yang di-Pertuan Agong proved that they truly appreciated the institution of monarchy.
This is the reason why any development or event involving the institution succeeds in attracting the attention of the public.
Shamrahayu concurred with him, adding that she was confident that many people expected the wisdom of the monarchy to put to rest any conflict or polemic affecting the institution.
“The people view the monarchy as an important institution, so when an unprecedented event takes place, they feel it is something unusual and want clarification,” she said.
A day after Sultan Muhammad V abdicated as King, the Conference of Rulers convened a meeting to announce that Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah would take over the duties of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong until a new head of state was elected.
The Conference of Rulers also fixed Jan 24 to elect the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his deputy while the swearing-in ceremony for the new King and the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be held on Jan 31.
In the meantime, Sultan Abdullah was proclaimed the Sultan of Pahang on Tuesday to pave the way for his nomination as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The Conference of Rulers was officially established in 1948 to replace the Durbar Conference that was established in July 1896.
The first Durbar Conference was held from July 14 to 17, 1987, and it gave the Malay rulers an opportunity to discuss the situation in their respective state and also touch on matters concerning the Malays and Islam.
Every state, except the federal territories, is represented in the Conference of Rulers by the sultan (Pahang, Terengganu, Perlis, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah and Kelantan), Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Negeri Sembilan) and Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Penang, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak).
The institution of monarchy remained strong even during turbulent times like the Second World War and the Japanese occupation. It also played a role, both directly or indirectly, in the efforts to free the nation from colonial rule. The institution has also been through ups and downs since the nation attained independence in 1957.
According to the official website of the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, the Conference of Rulers has convened 249 times since its first meeting on Feb 18, 1948. – Bernama
