PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional could hurt its chances at the elections if it is perceived to be antagonistic towards royalty, a former Umno information chief said.
“The opposition would be shooting itself in the foot if it continues to be seen as hostile towards the royal institution,” Shahril Hamdan said in the latest episode of the “Keluar Sekejap” podcast.
He was commenting on his co-host Khairy Jamaluddin’s opinion about Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor’s apology to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on Sept 25.
Sanusi had apologised over his offensive and disrespectful remarks made last year and said he regretted the ramifications.
He also said he never intended to make a mockery of the Ruler, whom he held in the highest esteem.
In July last year, Sanusi had also apologised to Sultan Sharafuddin for remarks he made regarding the appointment of the state’s menteri besar at a ceramah during a state election campaign.
Sanusi had also revealed last year that he wrote to the Selangor Ruler to explain his remarks which he claimed were distorted by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
The Perikatan Nasional election director was subsequently charged for making seditious statements against royalty. He claimed trial.
Khairy had earlier said there was a need for political parties to have positive relationships with heads of states, especially at a time when elections had no clear winners.
Khairy said as a hung parliament or state assembly was highly likely, the sultan or governor might step in to help resolve the issue.
He said the precedent was clear, and that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, sultans and governors held sway in forming state and federal governments.
The former Umno Youth chief said while no one was accusing the monarchy of bias, it was crucial for political parties to avoid creating friction with the monarchy.
“Don’t antagonise the istana (the palace), because they will call you (the winning parties) to form the government (in their name).”
