Former deputy unity minister Ti Lian Ker has praised Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari for speaking out against what he described as selective loyalty towards the royal institution.
Ti described Amirudin’s remarks as courageous and uncommon in an increasingly polarised political climate.
In a Facebook post, Ti said Amirudin had chosen to speak based on principle rather than political convenience.
“Whether one agrees with his politics or not, the courage to speak consistently for national stability and social harmony deserves recognition and respect,” he said.
He added that Malaysia needed more leaders willing to defend principles even when such positions were unpopular, instead of leaders who merely followed populist political narratives.
Amirudin criticises selective defence of institutions
Amirudin said certain political groups often claimed to defend the royal institution, race or religion when their actual intention was to strengthen their political standing.
He added that the same groups would shift their position whenever circumstances no longer benefited their interests.
Amirudin was widely believed to be referring to Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor, who faced charges in 2023 for allegedly insulting Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sanusi was initially charged with two counts of sedition but was later acquitted of the charge involving the Selangor ruler after issuing an apology to the sultan.
Debate sparked by pig farming issue
Earlier this week, Sultan Sharafuddin urged DAP assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and former DAP leader Ronnie Liu to better understand the Rukun Negara and show respect for the royal institution.
The remarks followed their response to the ruler’s call for a complete end to pig farming activities in Selangor.
Former Damansara MP Tony Pua later said the powers of the monarchy were limited to specific constitutional matters such as Malay customs, Islam and defined constitutional functions.
His statement drew criticism from leaders within Umno and PAS and also prompted a police investigation.
Ti warns against political exploitation
Ti cautioned against using race, religion or institutions as tools to justify exploitation, abuse of power or rent-seeking practices benefiting elites or selected groups.
He said the real struggle should focus on honest, responsible and transparent governance rather than political rhetoric centred on race, religion or royalty.
“Exploiting public sentiment in the name of ‘struggle’ is itself contrary to the moral and religious principles of justice, trust and accountability,” he said.
