Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the public not to rush to label anyone as “disloyal” or “disrespectful” before fully understanding the circumstances surrounding a dispute, particularly when it involves the royal institution.
He said disputes involving the Malay rulers, customs and state constitutional laws must first be examined based on the relevant provisions and the position of each institution.
“Do not label someone as disloyal or disrespectful before understanding the actual circumstances,” he said during the National Musyawarah: Unravelling The Malay Land Polemic at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC).
Ahmad Zahid said the responsibility of leaders was to resolve disputes through knowledge and wisdom while safeguarding the dignity of the institutions involved.
Although he did not specifically refer to the ongoing controversy in Negeri Sembilan, his remarks stressed the need for differences involving the royal institution to be handled with due respect and in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
The UMNO president also said political differences should not undermine respect for the royal institution, including when a particular decision did not meet the expectations of certain parties.
He said UMNO remained committed to upholding the royal institution and the Federal Constitution, including provisions concerning the pardoning powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.
“Respect for the Constitution must remain, even when a decision does not meet our expectations.
“This is the principle we must pass on — standing firm on principles, respecting rights fairly and managing differences wisely,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the coalition would hold two separate meetings with two political groups next week to discuss possible cooperation ahead of the Melaka state election.
However, he declined to reveal the identities of the groups involved, saying discussions had to take place before any details could be disclosed.
“Next week, the headquarters has arranged two separate meetings on different dates and at different times with two different groups.
“We are only about to discuss it. How can we reveal it? Let us discuss it first,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said any decision on cooperation would be made after considering the potential benefits and drawbacks to the country and BN over the medium and long term.
The Melaka State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on September 23, paving the way for the state’s 16th election.
