Now I am not writing this to gloat about what is happening in Malaysia. But rather, to highlight the fact that this prince, a Malay Muslim who most probably has more interest to defend the status quo has taken a stand to defend the rights and status of all Malaysians regardless of race or religion. This to me is rather impressive and speaks a lot about him.
First, he refused the offer of state funds for his royal wedding a few months ago and politely insisted that businesses donate their money to charity instead of paying large sums for advertisements to celebrate the royal wedding. And now this.
Will he be a leading voice that will bring Malaysians to a new level of acceptance and unity? I sure hope so. And given his royal pedigree and privileged position, I think he is in a good position to make use of his background to help realise the dream of Malaysia's founding fathers.
...In paying tribute to Dr Ismail and the past leaders, the prince said:
"They took responsibility to voice out and defend the needy and the people. This is the spirit which enabled this country to be stable politically and economically prosperous."
He said while Dr Ismail was known to be a Malay nationalist, he was not a racist and did not practise racism
"Tun Dr Ismail envisaged a Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority," Raja Nazrin said.
(The Star's - Follow vision of Tun Dr Ismail, leaders urged)
"They took responsibility to voice out and defend the needy and the people. This is the spirit which enabled this country to be stable politically and economically prosperous."
He said while Dr Ismail was known to be a Malay nationalist, he was not a racist and did not practise racism
"Tun Dr Ismail envisaged a Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority," Raja Nazrin said.
(The Star's - Follow vision of Tun Dr Ismail, leaders urged)
And in other news: Malaysia's Conference of Rulers has rejected the government's choice for the position of Chief Judge of Malaya. This is one of the rare times when the rulers refused to endorse a government's decision. I guess this could be in retaliation for Mahathir and UMNO stripping away whatever powers they have. And in this area where they still have some constitutional powers, they have decided to reassert themselves.
Interesting times indeed for the 50th anniversary of the Malaysian federation.
Now why is a Singaporean like me writing about, or being even remotely concerned about Malaysia? My link to that country is rather tenuous - through my mother who was born and raised in Perak. Other than that, I should have no interest whatsoever except for the times when they lash out against us.
I guess I would like to see Malaysia becoming a beacon of true plurality, both racial and political. Where everyone regardless of ethnicity and religion is not just tolerated but truly accepted and respected. And in the process, possibly teaching us a thing or two.
Labels: malaysia, politics, royalty
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