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POLITICAL leaders from across Malaysia’s governing and opposition landscape have rallied in defence of the royal institution following controversial remarks by former Damansara Member of Parliament Tony Pua that were alleged to have mocked a royal decree issued by the Sultan of Selangor.
The criticism centred on comments made by Pua in response to a decree by Sharafuddin Idris Shah regarding the Rukun Negara controversy involving several political figures in Selangor.
UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki condemned the remarks, describing them as disrespectful towards the monarchy despite claims of constitutional understanding.
“Claiming to understand the Constitution, yet lacking basic decorum towards the Royal Institution. When the Sultan’s decree is mocked, that is not freedom of speech, that is sheer disrespect,” he said.
The controversy has intensified broader debate surrounding the limits of political expression and the role of constitutional monarchy within Malaysia’s democratic framework.
PKR’s Kuala Langat youth wing (AMK) chief Mohd Shah Rezza Mohd Tuniman stressed that respect for the monarchy must never be reduced to excessive political polemics, warning that public statements touching on royal institutions should be made responsibly and with awareness of their wider implications.
“As a nation founded upon the Federal Constitution and the system of Constitutional Monarchy, the royal institution is not merely a symbol of tradition but a pillar of state sovereignty and an umbrella of unity for Malaysians of diverse races and backgrounds.
“Therefore, any statement touching on this institution must be made with full responsibility, care and awareness of its implications on public harmony,” he said.
He added that democratic freedoms could not be detached from principles of courtesy and respect, particularly when involving institutions accorded special constitutional standing.
“Differences in political views should not obscure the need to preserve sensitivities and maintain harmony between state institutions and the people,” he said.
Mohd Shah also urged all parties, including Pua, to exercise greater caution when issuing public statements that could trigger misunderstanding or social tension.
“Mature politics is not measured solely by sharp rhetoric, but by the wisdom to maintain balance between freedom of expression and social responsibility.
“Be warned Tony Pua, do not overstep your bounds. Do not cross the red line,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wanita Muda AMANAH Nasional also criticised Pua’s remarks, describing them as a failure to respect the royal institution and inconsistent with the political maturity expected in Malaysia.
Its deputy chief, Aishah Zain, said democracy could never justify insults, cynical mockery or statements perceived as diminishing the dignity of the Malay Rulers.
“Although differences of opinion may exist, decorum towards national institutions, especially the Malay Rulers Institution, must always be preserved because democracy never legitimises rudeness, sarcastic mockery or statements that can be interpreted as belittling the authority of the Royal Institution,” she said.
Aishah said the monarchy should never become a political tool for any party and must instead be approached with respect, responsibility and awareness that national stability remained a shared responsibility.
“We take seriously Tony’s latest statement, which is seen as touching on the position of the Royal Institution in an inappropriate tone while polemics surrounding the Selangor Sultan’s decree remain actively debated by society.
“At a time when the Sultan of Selangor delivered his advice in a measured and gracious manner, a more appropriate response should have come with respect, humility and responsibility as a citizen,” she added.
The dispute arose after Pua allegedly stated on Facebook that Malaysia practises a constitutional monarchy system in which royal powers are generally limited to certain areas, including Malay customs, Islam and constitutional functions such as the appointment of a Menteri Besar and consent to dissolve the state legislative assembly.
Earlier, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor, advised Seri Kembangan assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki and former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu to visit the Rukun Negara Monument Plaque at Dataran Selangor to better appreciate the true meaning of the national principles.
Aishah also cautioned against attempts to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests, stressing that while Malaysia is governed through constitutional democracy, the monarchy remains a highly respected institution and an important pillar of national stability.
“As citizens, we are bound not only by the Constitution, but also by the spirit of the Rukun Negara, especially the fifth principle of Courtesy and Morality.
“WARDA Nasional expresses our highest appreciation for Tuanku’s decree and defends the principles of Constitutional Monarchy which form the foundation of this country’s stability.
“The Royal Institution is part of the important balance within the nation’s system that must be respected and defended together,” she said. - May 20, 2026