After 25 years on the throne, Selangor Sultan says people remain his priority

For 25 years, Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has placed people's interests at the centre of his reign, hoping his legacy will be one of progress, strong institutions and social harmony. In a special interview coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of his reign, the Sultan reflected on the past quarter-century, stating that they have successfully built a legacy of strong institutions, social harmony, responsible governance and opportunities for future generations, despite changes in leadership.

Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized that while buildings and infrastructure may change over time, values, trust and unity endure far longer. He offered advice to the next generation of rulers and leaders, emphasizing that leadership is a trust, and one must always listen before deciding, remain humble, uphold the Constitution faithfully, and never lose sight of the people being served.

The Sultan's greatest source of inspiration remains the people of Selangor, who inspire him through their resilience, success and the better futures they build for their families. He advised his son, Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, that the office of the Sultan is a solemn trust, not a privilege, and urged him to remember that the Crown exists to serve the people and uphold the Constitution with wisdom, fairness and integrity.

The Sultan reminded Tengku Amir Shah that Selangor is home to diverse backgrounds, faiths and cultures, and emphasized that a Sultan must be a symbol of unity, treating every citizen with compassion, dignity and impartiality.

Despite technological advancements, Sultan Sharafuddin highlighted the importance of enduring principles like integrity, humility, respect for institutions and an unwavering commitment to public service. He stressed that humility, regardless of success, and the strength of the monarchy lie in the trust of the people. Sultan Sharafuddin expressed confidence that Tengku Amir Shah would serve Selangor well, highlighting his belief in the future of the state.