The installation ceremony of a new His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is an important event in Malaysia. The event is not only held to receive the country’s highest leader, but also as a symbol of Malaysians’ loyalty to the King and Country. This loyalty has become the foundation for the country’s stability and harmony since its independence, and it will continue to play an important role in the development of a nation state.

Loyalty to the King and Country is not just words, but it is a practice that must be applied in every aspect of life. To Malaysians, this loyalty is a form of respect and appreciation towards the royal institution that has long been the protector and leader of the country. The royal institution is not only a symbol of heritage and tradition, but also a symbol of unity of the citizens of different races and religions.

Since the era of Malacca Sultanate, the royal institution has played an important role in the country’s government and administration. Malay kings are not political leaders but also protectors of Malay traditions and culture. In the context of modern Malaysia, His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong assumes the role of the country’s leader that protects all citizens regardless of race and religion. Loyalty to The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a manifestation of the loyalty to the country and all the values advocated by the country.

Loyalty to the King and Country also means obedience to the laws and the constitution. The Malaysia constitution stipulates that The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the country’s leader that has an important role in the government of the country. Therefore, respecting and obeying the King means respecting and obeying the laws of the country. This is the building block to political and social stability we are enjoying today.

As Malaysians, we need to understand that loyalty to the King and Country is not a compulsion, but it is a responsibility and duty of ours as citizens. This loyalty needs to be translated in the form of actions, not just utterance. Among these are supporting the government’s efforts to advance the country, respecting the rights and freedom of others, and striving to become responsible and honourable citizens.

The installation ceremony of a new Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a reminder to all of us about the importance of loyalty to the King and Country. This is the time for us to reflect and appreciate the true meaning of loyalty. As Malaysians, we should be proud of the heritage and history we have and strive to protect and strengthen the institutions that serve as our country’s foundation.

In the globalisation era and the ever-challenging world, loyalty to the King and Country is an important element and needs to be prioritized. This is our defence against external and internal threats that can disrupt the country’s stability and peace. This loyalty is the foundation for our unity and strength as a nation.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Prof. Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, said that people should use digital platforms accordingly in line with the recent order by The 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The order by Sultan Ibrahim fits the current reality of our society, and if we refer to the fifth national principle, which is Courtesy and Morality, it is a principle that fits what has been ordered by Sultan Ibrahim.

“Our society that is exposed to information technology and excessive information is a challenge to us and what has been ordered by The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim fits the spirit of the fifth National Principle, which is Courtesy and Morality. We know that our country is multiracial, and this is actually an asset to our country”.

The coronation of Sultan Ibrahim as The 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong to be held on 20 July is a historical event that reminds us about the importance of loyalty to the King and Country. This loyalty is a sign of our respect and appreciation towards the royal institution that becomes the symbol of the country’s unity and stability. As Malaysians, we should strive to become responsible and honourable citizens. Harmony, loyalty, and stability become the main elements in our effort to take Malaysia to a better future for the sake of our prosperity.

Prepared by:

Amirul Salam Hasan

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu