Do not betray citizens' loyalty

(Translated excerpts from the speech by Raja Nazrin at the launch of a book on former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman titled "Not because of position: Tun Dr Ismail and his time" in Universiti Malaya on 3 Aug 2007)

As I read about Tun Dr. Ismail, I realise more and more what an extraordinary person he was; a statesman, an inspirational leader and a visionary. Tun Dr. Ismail envisaged a Malaysia for all without color lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority. He recognised the importance of open mindedness in addressing day to day issues and problems; the importance of listening and learning from others particularly from those who are more advanced....

This first wave of leaders displayed very strong integrity which is hard to dispute. They displayed faithfulness to their struggle, high principles and loyalty to their race and nation. These first-wave leaders were the elites of their race then, most were from aristocratic lineage or upper middle-class, but their hearts and souls were always with the ordinary citizen - understanding the suffering and experiences of the farmers and ordinary labourers. They took up the responsibility of speaking up for, and worked towards improving the fate of the lower classes and of all citizens. That was the spirit that enabled this country to become politically stable and economically prosperous.

After 50 years of independence, this spirit of helping the majority of the rakyat should not be something far away from the hearts of those with positions and power. The poor and the lower classes still need to be and should continue to be helped. The citizens' loyalty to their leaders must not be defiled by the actions of leaders, who stray from the path of truth, because they are driven by greed to obtain wealth for themselves and their families. Leaders are like trees and the rakyat are like the roots, which will determine the health and height of the tree. Learn from and make an example of the leadership qualities exhibited by Tun Dr Ismail and the first wave of post-Merdeka leaders, such as their genuineness, sacrifices, sincerity and integrity.

Note: highlighting was added and not from original text of the speech

(Full text of the speech mainly in Bahasa Malaysia is available at: Don’t take citizens’ loyalty for granted, Raja Nazrin to leaders, 03 Aug 2007, www.sun2surf.com)

(Translation of excerpts into English available at: Revive principles of Ismail's struggle, 6 Aug 2007, www.sun2surf.com)