Malay rulers free of party politics - Pahang Sultan

Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang says the Malay Rulers are above party politics.

He said the Malay Rulers and Yang Dipertua Negeri were neutral in the administration and governing of the country.

They only wish to protect the interests of the people fairly and honourably and are not influenced by "election seasons", he added.

The Pahang Sultan said: "I agree with what was stated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong a few days ago that the people should refrain from extreme politics.

"Moderation in everything should be our precept because it is also what religion teaches.

"Whatever we do that is extremist can bring disaster," Sultan Ahmad Shah said when he chaired the 238th meeting of the Conference of Rulers on June 11.

The text of his speech was released to the official media by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Monday.

The sultan referred to the speech of Johor's Sultan Ibrahim, who urged the Federal Government to involve the states in discussions with other countries that concern the interests of the states.

"We must always remember that our nation is a federation with the federal and state governments sharing rights and responsibilities," Sultan Ahmad Shah said.

"Cooperation and mutual respect will foster harmonious government at national and state levels ultimately for the good of the people."

Sultan Ahmad Shah also alluded to the speech of Perak's Sultan Nazrin Shah, who wanted the Conference of Rulers to be recognised as the sole platform to bring together royal and public institutions without regard to political leanings.