Sultan of Selangor hopes to leave a legacy of unity

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, hopes his legacy will encompass progress, strong institutions and social harmony, with the interests of the people remaining at the heart of his reign.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he would consider his reign meaningful if future generations believed he had fulfilled his responsibilities with integrity and placed the people’s interests first.

“I believe that over the past 25 years, despite changes in leadership, we have built a legacy of strong institutions, social harmony, responsible governance and opportunities for future generations,” His Royal Highness said in a special interview in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee Celebration of his reign as Sultan of Selangor.

Sultan Sharafuddin said buildings and infrastructure may change over time, but values, trust and unity would endure much longer.

Asked what advice he would offer future generations of rulers and leaders, His Royal Highness said leadership must always be regarded as a sacred trust.

“Always remember that leadership is a trust. Listen before making decisions, remain humble regardless of how much success you achieve, uphold the Constitution with unwavering loyalty and never forget the people whom we have a responsibility to serve,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the people of Selangor remained his greatest source of inspiration.

“Seeing communities overcome challenges, young people achieve success and families build better futures strengthens my commitment to continue serving to the best of my ability,” His Royal Highness said.

On the advice he would give his son, the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, who will one day succeed him as Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin said the position was a responsibility rather than a privilege.

“The position of Sultan is not merely a privilege but, above all, a sacred trust.

“My advice to the Raja Muda is to always remember that the royal institution exists to serve the people and uphold the Constitution with wisdom, fairness and integrity.

“A ruler must be prepared to listen more than he speaks, seek advice from those with knowledge and experience, and make decisions based on the interests of the state and its people rather than personal interests.

“There will be times when difficult choices must be made, and it is during those moments that character and strength of conviction matter most,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Sharafuddin also recalled the events of May 13, 1969, when he was 22 years old and serving as Raja Muda, while his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, was overseas.

“At that time, I was still young and serving as Regent, but I had to mature quickly. Fortunately, I was able to rely on older and wiser leaders for advice,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he would remind Tengku Amir Shah that Selangor was home to people of diverse backgrounds, religions and cultures.

“A Sultan must be a symbol of unity for all, treating every citizen with compassion, dignity and impartiality,” His Royal Highness said.

Although technology and innovation continue to advance, His Royal Highness said certain principles must remain steadfast: integrity, humility, respect for institutions and an unwavering commitment to public service.

“Always remain humble in your conduct, choice of words and actions,” His Royal Highness said, adding that no ruler could achieve success alone.

His Royal Highness said the strength of the monarchy lay in the trust of the people.

Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his belief that Tengku Amir Shah would serve Selangor with distinction and voiced confidence in the state’s future.

BERNAMA