(The Malaysian Insider) - The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, moved to bring the country back from the brink of disaster tonight, advising the Najib administration and Bersih 2.0 to hold consultations over the issue of free and fair elections.
The constitutional monarch rarely issues edicts or statements but the heightened atmosphere over the past week has prompted Istana Negara's intervention.
“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country,” the King said.
He added that the people “cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect”.
“I also urge the government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the government, on whatever grounds.
“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes, “Yang Dikejar Tak Dapat Yang Dikendong Berciciran (Not getting what we chase and spilling what we carry),” Tuanku Mizan added.
He pointed out that street demonstrations bring more bad than good “although the original intention is good, saying that the people should focus on “our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind”
“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent.
“That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long been in practice by our nation’s administration,” he said, expressing confidence that Datuk Seri Najib Razak can handle the issue.
The ruler’s unprecedented intervention tonight, could well leave Bersih 2.0 and its supporters from Pakatan Rakyat (PR), in a lurch, for going ahead with the rally can be seen as a direct affront to the palace.
At the same time, the King’s text, which is usually prepared by the government, could also be an indication that the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government remains unsure if its strong arm tactics in attempting to stop Bersih’s march had successfully spooked the group into backing out.
Comments (30)
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written by SpeakOut, July 04, 2011 09:47:20
written by SpeakOut, July 04, 2011 09:47:20
Something is not right here. BERSIH is not political. It is asking fro a free and farir election. Why should it meet putrajaya? EC should be the one looking to cooperate to ensure free and faird elections. The Govt needs to be told that it is acting ultra vires the constitution by cracking down on the rights of citizens to peaceful expression of their voice.
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written by justice seeker, July 04, 2011 09:16:18
written by justice seeker, July 04, 2011 09:16:18
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, moved to defuse tension tonight, advising the Najib administration and Bersih 2.0 to hold consultations over the issue of free and fair elections.
The constitutional monarch rarely issues edicts or statements but the heightened atmosphere over the past week has prompted Istana Negara's intervention.
IN THE EYES OF THE MYOPIC AMENO WARLORDS, BERSIH IS WAGING WAR ON THE AMENO KING BUT DRAGS IN THE ROYALTY TO DO THEIR DIRTY WORK.
The constitutional monarch rarely issues edicts or statements but the heightened atmosphere over the past week has prompted Istana Negara's intervention.
IN THE EYES OF THE MYOPIC AMENO WARLORDS, BERSIH IS WAGING WAR ON THE AMENO KING BUT DRAGS IN THE ROYALTY TO DO THEIR DIRTY WORK.
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written by singhkris, July 04, 2011 08:50:08
written by singhkris, July 04, 2011 08:50:08
The King normally acts on the advice of the government. If so, it looks that the government is backing down and trying not to lose face. You know how it is with our UMNOputras - susah nak chakap sorry!
Then it must be a case where the intelligence agencies have advised the government that the rally will go on no matter what. Rather then getting slapped in the face for all the big talk, they have found a way out. Now they must negotiate and it is only the government that can start it.
Bersih to watch out for a trap here: If Bersih goes on with the rally, the leaders will be picked up under a trumped charge of waging war against the KIng!
Interesting next few days.
Then it must be a case where the intelligence agencies have advised the government that the rally will go on no matter what. Rather then getting slapped in the face for all the big talk, they have found a way out. Now they must negotiate and it is only the government that can start it.
Bersih to watch out for a trap here: If Bersih goes on with the rally, the leaders will be picked up under a trumped charge of waging war against the KIng!
Interesting next few days.
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written by youngbags, July 04, 2011 08:37:14
written by youngbags, July 04, 2011 08:37:14
the battle already won by Bersih in regards to what the oppressive gomen did whether it is crackdown or you allow for peaceful protest. Any reaction from the gomen is deem useless.
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written by Stupid me, July 04, 2011 08:00:13
written by Stupid me, July 04, 2011 08:00:13
Wonder who is waging war now ? Just an idle thought, judging from recent events, Case rests.
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written by NSTPravda, July 04, 2011 07:58:20
written by NSTPravda, July 04, 2011 07:58:20
Read lah my Oafs 1My Qur'4n swearing pink pouting lips "
We are not against everyone wearing yellow, we allowed the King to wear it. Further, heed his advice, OK'd by us, and surrender now, re$i$tance is futile. Our silat and berkasar people are standing by to defend UMNO. Semua-nya OK!
We are not against everyone wearing yellow, we allowed the King to wear it. Further, heed his advice, OK'd by us, and surrender now, re$i$tance is futile. Our silat and berkasar people are standing by to defend UMNO. Semua-nya OK!
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written by malaysianforever, July 04, 2011 06:35:01
written by malaysianforever, July 04, 2011 06:35:01
LONG LIVE YG DI PERTUAN AGUNG. He is truly the RAKYAT's KING. A wise king and has the rakyat's interest at heart.
He king is right. UMNO and government must talk to BERSIH to iron out any issue, not simply outlaw such a peaceful organisation
He king is right. UMNO and government must talk to BERSIH to iron out any issue, not simply outlaw such a peaceful organisation
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written by Rigi9, July 04, 2011 04:05:10
written by Rigi9, July 04, 2011 04:05:10
Ampun Tuanku,
You have a duty to listen to your people. A courageous woman is leading the rakyat, seeking a fair hearing from those who rule. What is so illegal about that ? And she is being castigated for that, vile, evil accusations by nonetheless than Ministers, people who were elected BY the rakyat to do good for the country.
Talk BERSIH did - they asked the police to give a route for their rally. What is so difficult for the police to do that ? Don't we have hundreds of thousands of people marching during our festivals like Thaipusam !!
Tuanku....I believe it is time, that you in your capacity as the King of the Rakyat of Malaysia represent the Rakyat...
You have a duty to listen to your people. A courageous woman is leading the rakyat, seeking a fair hearing from those who rule. What is so illegal about that ? And she is being castigated for that, vile, evil accusations by nonetheless than Ministers, people who were elected BY the rakyat to do good for the country.
Talk BERSIH did - they asked the police to give a route for their rally. What is so difficult for the police to do that ? Don't we have hundreds of thousands of people marching during our festivals like Thaipusam !!
Tuanku....I believe it is time, that you in your capacity as the King of the Rakyat of Malaysia represent the Rakyat...
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written by Ben, July 04, 2011 02:01:04
written by Ben, July 04, 2011 02:01:04
Our YDP Agong magnificent plea for compromise should not go unheeded. All it takes is for all parties who are stakeholders of Malaysia's future is to work out the demands set before by Bersih and others as provided for in the Federal Constitution; nothing more, nothing less.
After all, to fall short of our King's command is to fall short of the expectations of the rakyat who had voted the government of the day into office. Lest they are not able, then surely we must find able Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, and put them into office for sake of Malaysia, her future and public good, While moderation and compromise is the key, we must also take cognizance that justice must be seen to be done. Let's do away with all the gerrymandering and corruption of the judicial and executive branches of the constitution.
If we believe that royalty comes directly from God, then we must also believe that our King primary duty is the preservation of the state by upholding the Constitution, making good use of the state's resources and protecting the state from the dangers and difficulties that threatens it. While we declare the absolute authority of the King, we must also recognize that our King must only use his power only for public good and that the King is not above the law, for if he sins, he destroys the laws by his example.
The proverbial ball is now at the government's court for they are in power, let's hope they will use it wisely and more importantly justly so that the rakyat through Bersih and others may respond positively in kind. Let's pray for a peaceful and amicable settlement. Amen.
After all, to fall short of our King's command is to fall short of the expectations of the rakyat who had voted the government of the day into office. Lest they are not able, then surely we must find able Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, and put them into office for sake of Malaysia, her future and public good, While moderation and compromise is the key, we must also take cognizance that justice must be seen to be done. Let's do away with all the gerrymandering and corruption of the judicial and executive branches of the constitution.
If we believe that royalty comes directly from God, then we must also believe that our King primary duty is the preservation of the state by upholding the Constitution, making good use of the state's resources and protecting the state from the dangers and difficulties that threatens it. While we declare the absolute authority of the King, we must also recognize that our King must only use his power only for public good and that the King is not above the law, for if he sins, he destroys the laws by his example.
The proverbial ball is now at the government's court for they are in power, let's hope they will use it wisely and more importantly justly so that the rakyat through Bersih and others may respond positively in kind. Let's pray for a peaceful and amicable settlement. Amen.
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written by ktchye, July 04, 2011 01:25:30
written by ktchye, July 04, 2011 01:25:30
The King has not actually specified that both sides must sit down and resolve the issue. In other words, there is no talk of negotiations. But if there to be any, Bersih should be given due recognition, which means Hishammuddin must revoke his ban on Bersih and reverse his order of calling it an illegal party. This is a prerequisite, otherwise it will make the Govt look silly negotiating with an illegal body. The remaining PSM detainees, including the 6 held under EO, should be released immediately, and the Govt apologise to them for misconstruing they were planning to wage war against the King. This is the proper way to go about it to address the grief the Govt has caused to the detainees and their families. It is not enough to let them go, the Govt has to show good faith in accepting responsibility for its action.
-- Kee Thuan Chye
-- Kee Thuan Chye
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written by sltemp, July 04, 2011 01:19:13
written by sltemp, July 04, 2011 01:19:13
Talks only work when both sides are willing to discuss openly and come to a compromise that is accepted by both sides. UMNO/BN was the one that took the hardline stand and instructed the police to start arresting people. Warnings and threats came from the PM, DPM, Home Minister, IGP, DIGP and many others. It was the BN government that started the problem, which became a growing snowball rolling down the hill that they couldn't stop and this scared the pants of them. So UMNO/BN is now using the Agung's name to prevent the rally. It is very sad and disappointing to know that the sultans have been keeping silent and doing nothing against the oppression of the people by the BN government. The Pahang sultan even spoke out in support of the BN government against Bersih. Are the sultans trying to ensure their survival by supporting BN?
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written by Concerned_Citizen, July 04, 2011 01:18:51
written by Concerned_Citizen, July 04, 2011 01:18:51
Seems like our Agong is now sided the anti-bersih group. This proves that they don't have balls n guts to face the rakyat in upholding the truth!
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written by FreeAsian, July 04, 2011 01:12:46
written by FreeAsian, July 04, 2011 01:12:46
I wonder what RPK's take on this royal pronouncement is. It does sound reconciliatory on a cursory note, but the implication that a simple peaceful rally can cause "destruction" of a country has UMNO undertones.
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written by temanmu, July 04, 2011 01:09:59
written by temanmu, July 04, 2011 01:09:59
UMNO got trapped and now has to get the Agong to bail them out!
The Agong is required to take the "advice" of the PM ... so the Agong is personally blameless.
As mentioned "the intention is good" , so the PM should just implement Bersih's requests! So simple.
UMNO otak udang!
The Agong is required to take the "advice" of the PM ... so the Agong is personally blameless.
As mentioned "the intention is good" , so the PM should just implement Bersih's requests! So simple.
UMNO otak udang!
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written by SoundMan, July 04, 2011 00:59:44
written by SoundMan, July 04, 2011 00:59:44
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, have hear the voice of the people for a just and fair electoral process, beginning with the clean up of the roll.
For the process to start we have ALL arrests of BERSIH 2.0 supporters to be released unconditionally.
No use in talks if the UMNO-BN who have been spooked by BERSIH 2.0's exponential rolling growth, still maintain the rill is good for the GE13 !
This call for a dialog is a sure sign of surrender by UMNO-BN ( Najib and his band of loosers).
For the process to start we have ALL arrests of BERSIH 2.0 supporters to be released unconditionally.
No use in talks if the UMNO-BN who have been spooked by BERSIH 2.0's exponential rolling growth, still maintain the rill is good for the GE13 !
This call for a dialog is a sure sign of surrender by UMNO-BN ( Najib and his band of loosers).
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written by earthman, July 04, 2011 00:06:01
written by earthman, July 04, 2011 00:06:01
Holding talks alone cannot resolve any problems but implementing what we are talking can.
All should be reminded that demonstration is only the last resort lest they forget and condemned it as what is happening in other countries.
To eradicate evil and corruptions we must all work together and not favour any party. All should be aware of this lest they blame others for their own passivity.
All should be reminded that demonstration is only the last resort lest they forget and condemned it as what is happening in other countries.
To eradicate evil and corruptions we must all work together and not favour any party. All should be aware of this lest they blame others for their own passivity.
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written by Merdeka, July 04, 2011 00:00:38
written by Merdeka, July 04, 2011 00:00:38
Ampun Tuanku, PM Najib & his group is the one caused the trouble, as a normal citizen, I lost faith in him & his governing body. Ampun Tuanku.
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written by HamChak, July 03, 2011 23:57:24
written by HamChak, July 03, 2011 23:57:24
OK, with respect to DYMM The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin,
I hope Krissimuddin will come back to some senses and not makes WILD
accusation about BERSIH.
Looks like DYMM has got more BRAIN that the Gomen.
I hope Krissimuddin will come back to some senses and not makes WILD
accusation about BERSIH.
Looks like DYMM has got more BRAIN that the Gomen.
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written by Hanuman, July 03, 2011 23:32:25
written by Hanuman, July 03, 2011 23:32:25
We are never violent and never had been. Bersih has suci intentions and objectives. We fear no one except God/Allah/The Almighty.
The Agung's advice is good and timely but if GOM refuse to accede to Bersih's requests for changes it demanded before 9 July and instead choose to high handed and continues to selectively persecute innocent rakyats, we will not relent! We will march on come what may!
The Agung's advice is good and timely but if GOM refuse to accede to Bersih's requests for changes it demanded before 9 July and instead choose to high handed and continues to selectively persecute innocent rakyats, we will not relent! We will march on come what may!
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written by myhhlim, July 03, 2011 23:29:50
written by myhhlim, July 03, 2011 23:29:50
ampun tuanku. would be fair if perkasa , pdrm utusan and melaka lanun dont spit venom on your non malay subjects. it will be good if the fact that communism no longer exist even in cuba, north korea or china.
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written by batsman, July 03, 2011 23:29:29
written by batsman, July 03, 2011 23:29:29
Does this mean that the Agong has vetoed Hishamuddin's ban on Bersih as an illegal organisation?
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written by malsia1206, July 03, 2011 23:28:40
written by malsia1206, July 03, 2011 23:28:40
This is indeed a very positive initiative from HRH. It shows there's some serious concern coming from the Palace and the Constitutional Monarch does not remain aloof on the welfare and justifiable needs of the rakyat.
Unlike the ruling Government that swipes everything autocratically in their path, declaraing Bersih to be illegal, the assembly to be illegal and getting the Police to make sweeping arrests including detention under the EO.
By issuing out this directive, it means Bersih need not be illegal as this Government wants to make it out to be. Or HRH would not be asking the Government to enter into negotiation with an illegal organisation.
Let the power of the rakyat be heard. Let the elections be conducted clearly, cleanly and freely. And let the Chairman of the EC be removed for his consistent denial mode. And those arrested must be released immediately for championing a just cause. False charges must be dropped and personal freedom be accorded to these participants who had acted without fear or favour.
Unlike the ruling Government that swipes everything autocratically in their path, declaraing Bersih to be illegal, the assembly to be illegal and getting the Police to make sweeping arrests including detention under the EO.
By issuing out this directive, it means Bersih need not be illegal as this Government wants to make it out to be. Or HRH would not be asking the Government to enter into negotiation with an illegal organisation.
Let the power of the rakyat be heard. Let the elections be conducted clearly, cleanly and freely. And let the Chairman of the EC be removed for his consistent denial mode. And those arrested must be released immediately for championing a just cause. False charges must be dropped and personal freedom be accorded to these participants who had acted without fear or favour.
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written by Motherchell, July 03, 2011 23:27:40
written by Motherchell, July 03, 2011 23:27:40
Thank you Your Highness------------- now i understand why Ib Ali is tongue tied--must have been shown the rotan and reminded where children should be when elders speak!!!
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written by educationist, July 03, 2011 23:26:13
written by educationist, July 03, 2011 23:26:13
I see it but another move to derail Bersih2.0.
No, we are not hot-headed , unreasonable extremists but the point remains that it is the strong arm tactics of the UMNOputras that are being employed to paint Bersih2.0 activists as law breakers with arbitrary arrests and the use of the EO!!
It is now for Najib's administration to show it is hearing the rakyat's demands, please note it is not Ambiga's not even BERSIH's but the thinking rakyat for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections!!
Bersih2.0 has from its inception been mooted as a peaceful walk to demand electoral reforms that the EC is powerless to implement without the UMNOputras blessings.
Yes, our King has spoken, let's hope Najib's administration will pull back from its total confrontation mode!!
No, we are not hot-headed , unreasonable extremists but the point remains that it is the strong arm tactics of the UMNOputras that are being employed to paint Bersih2.0 activists as law breakers with arbitrary arrests and the use of the EO!!
It is now for Najib's administration to show it is hearing the rakyat's demands, please note it is not Ambiga's not even BERSIH's but the thinking rakyat for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections!!
Bersih2.0 has from its inception been mooted as a peaceful walk to demand electoral reforms that the EC is powerless to implement without the UMNOputras blessings.
Yes, our King has spoken, let's hope Najib's administration will pull back from its total confrontation mode!!
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written by panca, July 03, 2011 23:20:28
written by panca, July 03, 2011 23:20:28
We the Rakyat lean on your highness and wisdom for a Clean, Fair and Free election process therefore the Bersih is not to misbehave but a peaceful call, the Rakyat's call to have electoral reform and the Bersih is to send a very strong, firm but peaceful statement that the election system should not be compromised but REFORMED, that is why the Yellow Bersih March is needed and it is all about.
Your Highness the future of the country depends on a Clean, Fair and Free Election System!
Your Highness the future of the country depends on a Clean, Fair and Free Election System!
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written by Mestizo, July 03, 2011 23:17:10
written by Mestizo, July 03, 2011 23:17:10
Urge the BN government to follow the King advise and do the following;
1) Release all those unlawful arrest of Bersih supporters with immediate effect without condition.
2) Get Home Minister to retract his statement about Bersih being illegal.
3) Direct the police to work with Bersih 2.0 to chart a proper route for their supporter to march on the 9th. July 2011 to Istana Negara. Police to be deployed to oversee and protect those in the demonstation.
4) Direct Perkasa and UMNO Youth to stand down and if they plan to demonstrate to have it on another day and the police to do the same to them.
5) Do not intervene what the EC do. The King upon receiving the proposal from Bersih on the 9th.July 2011 should direct EC to publicly announce their plan actions with dates on those proposals. If there is any proposal cannot be implemented, acceptable reasons must be publicly announced as well.
6) BN Government to stop using threats against innocent people. If anybody did any thing wrong, they should be charged according and they are to be allowed to defend.
1) Release all those unlawful arrest of Bersih supporters with immediate effect without condition.
2) Get Home Minister to retract his statement about Bersih being illegal.
3) Direct the police to work with Bersih 2.0 to chart a proper route for their supporter to march on the 9th. July 2011 to Istana Negara. Police to be deployed to oversee and protect those in the demonstation.
4) Direct Perkasa and UMNO Youth to stand down and if they plan to demonstrate to have it on another day and the police to do the same to them.
5) Do not intervene what the EC do. The King upon receiving the proposal from Bersih on the 9th.July 2011 should direct EC to publicly announce their plan actions with dates on those proposals. If there is any proposal cannot be implemented, acceptable reasons must be publicly announced as well.
6) BN Government to stop using threats against innocent people. If anybody did any thing wrong, they should be charged according and they are to be allowed to defend.
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The Agong has spoken! If there is any remorse in UMNO for mistreating fellow Malaysians, they should take this opportunity to climb down, say sorry to all Malaysians for dividing them and immediately release all detainees involved in the Bersih movement. In all sincerity, this should also be backed up with clear declarations on how they are to improve the electoral system. And all this should be done this week before July 9! No one, it should be stressed, can blame the people, the concerned and long-aggrieved Malaysians, from joining the popular rally if UMNO is adamant on their tyrannical stand, not sincere or quick to respond to the Agong's call for reconciliation! The ball is now in UMNO's court!