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HIS Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on two prominent figures linked to Democratic Action Party in Selangor to reflect more deeply on the principles of the Rukun Negara, in remarks widely viewed as a reminder on the importance of respecting national institutions and constitutional values.
In a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office following the ruler’s visit to Dataran Selangor in Klang on Tuesday (today), the Sultan specifically referred to Wong Siew Ki and former DAP leader Ronnie Liu, encouraging both to visit the site regularly to better appreciate the philosophy underpinning Malaysia’s national ideology.
“The Sultan expressed hope that consistent visits to the site would allow both leaders to internalise the meaning behind the Rukun Negara, which was formulated in the aftermath of the May 13 Incident to rebuild unity and foster mutual respect among Malaysians,” the statement said.
Although measured in tone, the remarks were interpreted as a pointed reminder that elected representatives and political leaders should not merely understand the Rukun Negara intellectually, but also embody its principles through their conduct and respect for the constitutional monarchy.
During the visit, the Sultan personally inspected the Rukun Negara monument and explanatory plaque installed at Dataran Selangor, which was developed by the Public Works Department under the Selangor government.
According to the statement, the monument’s construction was fully funded by the Sultan himself as part of efforts to create a public educational space dedicated to strengthening awareness of Malaysia’s foundational national values.
Reflecting on the historical origins of the Rukun Negara, the Sultan noted that the national philosophy was introduced during one of the country’s most sensitive periods following the May 13 racial riots, when the National Operations Council formulated it to restore unity and social cohesion among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic communities.
“His Royal Highness emphasised that the monument is not merely symbolic, but a living reminder of the need to preserve unity, uphold the constitutional monarchy, and practise mutual respect,” the statement added.
The Sultan also expressed hope that younger generations visiting Dataran Selangor would take the opportunity to study and appreciate the Rukun Negara more meaningfully as a foundation for long-term national harmony.
He further encouraged Selangor residents to visit the site regularly as part of a broader civic effort to strengthen public understanding of the nation’s guiding principles.
The royal remarks followed earlier controversy involving Wong Siew Ki during debates in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly over the Sultan’s royal address.
The Seri Kembangan assemblywoman had reportedly urged the state government to consider modern closed-system pig farming development policies while also referring to equality provisions under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution.
In response to criticism directed at Wong, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook previously reaffirmed the party’s commitment to respecting the monarchy and preserving harmony between royal institutions and the country’s constitutional framework.
Loke said the party had never departed from its longstanding position of supporting the constitutional monarchy as a central pillar of Malaysia’s governance system, while also maintaining that elected representatives retained the democratic responsibility to raise policy matters in legislative assemblies. - May 19, 2026
