Politics Supersedes The Palace

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SULTAN Muhammad V finally abdicated as the Yang Dipertuan Agong, only after serving the country for 775 days. Its saddening and shocking. However, it's his decision. We thank him for being our King since December 2016.

It happened after much speculations since the new Pakatan Harapan government took over in May. So many unwanted things happened.

Being a 'close to rakyat Kelantan Sultan', he is easy to access and make friend with. Anywhere he goes, he will be with the rakyat. Nothing seems to be separating him with them.

But body language is easy to read. Beginning from the ceremony to appoint the new prime minister in May, his gesture of 'Sila Duduk, Jangan Lari' in the Parliament and the despicable political scenario in the country, are (maybe) among his dislikes.

Some said he did not agree to so many things that the government do. I don't know, maybe its true, maybe its not. But a veteran journalist from the PH bench used to write about the King, questioning the expenditure incurred by the Palace since he took to the throne.

Sultan Muhammad did not say anything although Istana Negara denied it but the fact that he called off the Hari Raya open house in June, must not be undermined by Putrajaya. A lesson perhaps for Putrajaya to take into account the role of a King in the country.

I heard some decisions which needed his consent were simply bulldozed. In a few occasions (I understand) the King was pressured to approve although he was reluctant.

As his subject, I wish Sultan Muhammad V all the best. Kelantan is a nice and beautiful country. When a Cabinet minister raised up its debt, most Kelantanese felt dejected by such an attitude.

Or could it be because he wanted to bring in a 'Russian Queen' to Istana Negara? I don't think so. As some other Sultans who married non-Malaysians, he has every right to do so.

However, this is first to happen in modern Malaysia. Some diplomats whom I talk to said it also reflects the non-communicado between the King and the Cabinet. I somehow agree to that!

Anyway, it's history now although there is something to ponder.

We are expecting a new King to be appointed on January 24. So, let's wait... and ensure that it doesn't recur.

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