Perak Sultan Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has warned members of the Perak Council of State and palace officials against exploiting the royal name, palace influence or their titles for personal gain.
His Royal Highness cautioned them against using their positions to pursue profits and business opportunities, or allowing themselves to be used to assist certain parties in improper, questionable or coercive ways.
He urged them to shun corruption, abuse of power and any conduct that could raise suspicion or tarnish the reputation of the royal institution and palace.
“Positions bestowed upon you must be carried out with integrity. Do not allow your positions to become tools for seeking privileges, accumulating wealth or interfering in matters beyond your responsibilities,” he said at the 175th Perak Council of State Meeting at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar today.
Also present were Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, Raja Kecil Besar Perak Raja Datuk Seri Azlan Muzaffar Shah and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Sultan Nazrin also said he did not need people around him who merely agreed with everything or told him only what he wanted to hear.
Instead, he said, he needed Council of State members and palace officials who were brave enough to offer wise advice, correct mistakes respectfully and present views based on knowledge and facts.
He said they should honestly acknowledge the merits of good decisions while openly explaining any weaknesses or risks.
“True loyalty helps the Ruler make fair, accurate and wise decisions.
“The courage to speak the truth, when accompanied by good manners and sincere intentions, is a highly valuable form of loyalty. Be mindful that every trust placed in us will be called to account,” he said.
The Sultan also reminded council members and palace officials to exercise caution in their words and actions.
He said confidential matters must remain protected and information whose accuracy had not been verified should not be circulated.
Opinions should be conveyed respectfully and responsibly to avoid creating opportunities for slander and disputes, he added, warning that a single statement or recording shared on social media could give rise to multiple interpretations.
He urged everyone to remain vigilant and exercise sound judgement when communicating, particularly on social media platforms.
Sultan Nazrin further cautioned against disputes, struggles for influence and factionalism, stressing that the palace should serve as a unifying institution rather than a platform for deepening divisions.
“If disagreements arise, resolve them through honest and respectful consultation. Practise syura (mutual consultation), listen to one another’s views and place the interests of the state above personal desires.
“Do not allow the pursuit of personal positions to overshadow greater responsibilities,” he said.
