Former leaders should maintain principle of 'silaturrahim' - Rais

Former leaders of the country should maintain the principle of 'silaturahim' (good relationship) with the current leadership, says Socio-cultural Adviser to the Government Tan Sri Rais Yatim.

He said these former leaders should also realise that when they were in power, they too were loved and respected, and now that they were no longer in power, it would be their turn to show the same love and respect, or at least to maintain good relationship with their successors.

"Even if we used to be the country's top leader...we must respect those who are currently in power," he said when launching the Harvest and Fishing Festival 2017 in Kampung Gagu here Saturday.

Rais, who has vast experience in politics and in cabinet, also stressed that politics should not be the reason for split between former and current leaders as it would be a big loss not only to the people, but also to the country.

Speaking to reporters later, Rais also expressed hope that former leaders who could not see eye to eye with the current leaders would find a way to reconcile and restore their friendly relationships.

"What matters most is our good relationship," he added. - Bernama