POLITICIANS SHOULD PAY HEED TO PERAK RULER`S REMINDER

PUTRAJAYA, April 20 (Bernama) -- Information, Communications and Culture
Minister Dr Rais Yatim said politicians should pay heed to the Sultan
of Perak's reminder on the need to refrain from fanning hatred against the
monarchy.

Rais said that Sultan Azlan Shah's (Ruler of Perak state) reminder
exemplified the importance of keeping the Rulers' Institution above politics.

He also said that the sultan's remark and the pledge by the Regent of Preak
Dr Nazrin Shah, to defend the monarchy from being ridiculed, had
further affirmed the roles of the Rulers' Institution in the country.

"When we talk about the concept of 1Malaysia, we should be
all-encompassing, with the Rulers' Institution forming the pillar of the nation
and government.

"Politicians should therefore pay heed to the clear signals emanating from
the speech," he told reporters after handing over the Foreign portfolio to the
new Foreign Minister, Anifah Aman, here Monday.

Speaking in conjunction with his 81st birthday yesterday, Sultan Azlan Shah
said the action of certain political groups in provoking the people and sowing
seeds of hatred against the rulers was akin to fanning "embers in the chaff".
He said it was a dangerous act which could destroy the peace in the country.

Sultan Azlan Shah also said that the rulers were above politics and
therefore, could not participate in open debate to answer allegations hurled
against them by political groups.

Rais said his ministry would explain the roles and functions of the
royalties in the context of Malaysia's multiracial people.

Earlier in his speech, Rais said he would meet Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak to discuss the "1Malaysia" concept.

He said that this was important to ensure the concept was understood clearly
by all and not twisted for political purposes.

-- BERNAMA