Sultan Sharafuddin refutes 'absolute monarch' criticism

Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed that criticism of his administration should not be seen as a challenge to the government. The Sultan clarified that his concerns about state administration are aimed at ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of the people are always given top priority. He emphasized that any criticism should be viewed as part of his responsibility to ensure the state administration always considers the interests of the people and the future of Selangor.

Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his disappointment when criticisms or "remarks" are misinterpreted by some individuals and certain political figures, suggesting that he does not wish to interfere with the government's affairs or practice absolute monarchism. The Sultan made these remarks during the Istiadat Pemasyhuran Gelaran and Mengangkat Sumpah, alongside the investiture of the Orang Besar of the Palace and the Dato' Diraja of Selangor, and the Investiture of the State of Selangor's Kebesaran Order, held at Istana Alam Shah, Klang.

He also stressed that the Sultan is well-versed in legal provisions and understands his role and responsibility under the parliamentary constitutional monarchy system practiced in Malaysia and Selangor. The Sultan honored the provisions of the Law on the State Government of Selangor 1959 and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Institution related to the Sultan's status and powers.

Sultan Sharafuddin affirmed that he has implemented his administration based on trust and responsibility under his powers, and he believes each party with authority in the government has their own responsibilities to be respected and performed with full integrity. He addressed the government, urging them to strive hard for success and progress in all areas.

The Sultan expressed his desire to see Selangor as a continuously progressing state, competitive, highly modernized, educated, and progressive people, while simultaneously preserving the values of religion, customs, and humanity. The Sultan also stated that the measure of a country's progress is not solely based on the amount of foreign investment, rapid development, or high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates.

He emphasized that what is the use of a country having vast wealth if its people continue to live in hardship. Real progress is when the benefits of a country's wealth can be enjoyed and availed by the entire populace.