KUALA LUMPUR — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today dispelled claims that his royal admonitions had interfered in the state administration, saying his views are intended to protect public welfare and ensure the government remains accountable to the people.
In his royal address marking 25 years of his reign today, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed disappointment that some politicians had interpreted his royal remarks as an attempt to interfere in the state government’s administration or practise absolute monarchy.
He stressed that his interventions were intended to ensure the government remained attentive to the needs of the people, rather than create conflict between the palace and the state administration.
“I do not want the people to view my admonitions as a conflict or disagreement between myself and the government,” he said in his speech in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of His Royal Highness’s reign, held at the Balairung Seri of Istana Alam Shah here today.
The event also included ceremony for the proclamation of titles, oath-taking and pledging of allegiance by the Orang-Orang Besar Istana and Dato’ Diraja Selangor, as well as the conferment of Selangor state honours.
Sultan Sharafuddin said his concerns over matters involving state administration stemmed from his responsibility to ensure the people’s welfare remained a priority.
He reaffirmed his understanding of the limits of his authority under the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy practised in Malaysia and Selangor.
“I am fully aware of the provisions of the law and understand the extent of my role and responsibilities under the system of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy practised in this country and the state of Selangor,” he added.
His Highness said he respected the Selangor State Constitution 1959 and the relevant provisions of the Federal Constitution governing his position and powers.
He added that everyone entrusted with responsibilities in government had their respective roles to fulfil, which should be respected and carried out with integrity.
Reflecting on his responsibilities as ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin said his position was not one to be taken pride in but a trust and responsibility to protect the people and preserve the sanctity of Islam.
“Instead, it is a trust and responsibility from Allah SWT to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of all the people under the protection of Selangor, while preserving the sanctity and dignity of Islam,” he said.
The Sultan also renewed his pledge to govern Selangor with fairness, honesty and responsibility, recalling the oath he took during his installation on March 8, 2003.
On Selangor as the country’s most developed state, His Highness said the state’s progress should not be measured solely by billions of ringgit in investment, rapid development or high gross domestic product, but by whether its people benefited from the state’s wealth.
“What is the use of a state possessing great wealth if its people are still living in hardship?” he said.
He stressed that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, particularly for lower-income and struggling communities.
Sultan Sharafuddin also called on the state government to work towards making Selangor more advanced, competitive and modern, while ensuring its development remained grounded in religious values, good conduct and humanity.
He said those entrusted with public responsibilities must carry out their duties with integrity, adding that the government should continue striving for progress across all sectors while safeguarding the interests of the people. – October 25, 2026