Role of monarchy in democracy
From the NST,
Perhaps I should not touch on this issue regarding our monarchy, considering the possibility that it be seen as libelous in the current wake of a possible crackdown on bloggers. However, I see the speech of Raja Nazrin as a possible attempt at defending the relevancy of the monarchy in modern times. Are they afraid that the monarchy will drift into obscurity during times when Malaysia is enjoying political stability?
Raja Nazrin claims that the monarchy helps in identification of the Malay heritage and serves as a check and balance mechanism, I presume, to the ruling Government. If so, they have failed. Wielding no political power, the monarchy can hardly be a strong check and balance mechanism. More so when many of the members of the monarchy may be politically naive.
The only role I can see the monarchy play is the symbol of unity for the Malay race in the face of political instability. Their influence on the non-malay races appear limited at best.
The monarchy needs to reinvent themselves if they are to remain relevant. Sapping precious and limited national resources to maintain the monarchies in Malaysia may one day be seen as a foolish act. Maintaining sentimental values may be the last thing Malaysians can afford to do in an increasingly competitive and unforgiving environment.
| Rulers’ institution ‘vital to democracy’ IPOH, PERAK, Sat. An institution of rulers which is non-partisan plays an important check and balance role in the practice of democracy in the country and in doing so, increases the people’s confidence in the Government. Perak Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah said the institution in the country’s make-up provided a continuation of the tradition of a monarchial government. Addressing more than 1,000 people at the Perak Symposium for Malay Culture at the State Secretariat building today, Raja Nazrin said the addition of the monarchy to the democratic system helped identify the country’s Malay heritage. "Maintaining the institution is not only to fulfil a sentimental and historical value. Its existence assists in the effectiveness of the check and balance mechanism, and hence strengthens the democratically created institutions." cont.. |
Perhaps I should not touch on this issue regarding our monarchy, considering the possibility that it be seen as libelous in the current wake of a possible crackdown on bloggers. However, I see the speech of Raja Nazrin as a possible attempt at defending the relevancy of the monarchy in modern times. Are they afraid that the monarchy will drift into obscurity during times when Malaysia is enjoying political stability?
Raja Nazrin claims that the monarchy helps in identification of the Malay heritage and serves as a check and balance mechanism, I presume, to the ruling Government. If so, they have failed. Wielding no political power, the monarchy can hardly be a strong check and balance mechanism. More so when many of the members of the monarchy may be politically naive.
The only role I can see the monarchy play is the symbol of unity for the Malay race in the face of political instability. Their influence on the non-malay races appear limited at best.
The monarchy needs to reinvent themselves if they are to remain relevant. Sapping precious and limited national resources to maintain the monarchies in Malaysia may one day be seen as a foolish act. Maintaining sentimental values may be the last thing Malaysians can afford to do in an increasingly competitive and unforgiving environment.
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