I was brought up to respect other people - parents, the elderly, friends, everybody. I was also brought up to be loyal to my leaders, whether elected or appointed, whether they worked into their position or born into it. I respect them totally as I know it is a great deal to be where they are, to hold that burden of responsibility that I myself cannot bear. But my respect for them diminished when these rulers exhibit questionable behaviours. Questions about their integrity and responsibility.
In Malay custom we always believe in the `daulat' of the Sultans. It means I have to be loyal to them and show respect because they are the rulers. They uphold the position of Malays and Islam in this country. We may think they're lucky to be born royalty, but as they say in Spiderman movie, `with power comes responsibility'. It didn't come free to them and it cannot be abused. It must not even be seen that they are using their position and power to benefit themselves without care and consideration of the rakyat under their care.
Not too many years ago, I simply couldn't care less when I hear rumours about the royalties - whether rumours about their corrupt practises, involvement in businesses and government contracts, scandals with popular artists or even criminal charges involving their family members. Nowadays I am deeply disgusted when I hear similar stories. If these rumours involved elected officials, I can simply vote against them in the next election. But it is harder to express my vote on rulers who overstepped their boundaries.
With that, let's recite Al-Fatihah for Sultan Azlan Shah. May he rest in peace and may his successor be as great a ruler.
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