Daulat Tuanku

RPK :

‘In recent weeks, Their Royal Highnesses the Rulers and their heirs have made several comments reflecting the common perception of the country’s people that corrections need to be made in the administration of this country. Other than making remarks to signify their concerns over pressing current issues, Their Royal Highnesses have also raised directly to the Prime Minister issues such as the promotion of suitable judges and the tenure of key administrative officials such as the IGP. All of this is being done largely behind closed doors of course as the constitutional role of royalty does not often lead them to make their concerns public.

Nevertheless, it is important that in the effort to correct the problems of the country, Their Royal Highnesses are given full support by the people. Many readers have expressed their intention to show Their Royal Highnesses that they are fully behind the efforts to reform the country. But how do we show our support in a world where the media has deliberately misled the people and crushed any show of displeasure expressed by Their Royal Highnesses?

Some readers have suggested that we fly a royal flag. The most important ‘royal flag’ is the Standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a yellow field bearing the crest of Malaysia between two sheaths of golden paddy. The correct protocol is that the Standard is flown in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Though this is the most important outward display of royalty, it is quite understandable that most ordinary Malaysians would neither have access to it nor seen it flown. So how do we otherwise show our support?

One suggestion is that on Merdeka Day (31st August 2007) and again on Malaysia Day (16th September 2007), Malaysians of all races fly the National Flag (which is easily accessible) with a yellow strip of cloth above it. This is a common expression of support for royalty in countries such as Japan and Thailand. The strip of cloth should be about two inches wide and the same length as the National Flag. It is flown immediately above the National Flag on the same pole or hoist.

Again, another way to show support has been suggested. This is that on those two days, Malaysians wear yellow. Yellow is not only the royal colour of all the rulers (including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong) but also the sovereign colour representing People’s Power in many ASEAN countries. The Thais and the Filipinos have all previously used the colour yellow to signify protest.

By wearing yellow on Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, we hope to send a signal to the government of Abdullah Badawi that there is a limit to the people’s patience. This is a peaceful and non-violent show of support for his Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his brother rulers to uphold the constitutional oath to defend the people of Malaysia, the sanctity of its government and our laws. This is a not a rebellion but a reassertion of our rights as the citizens of this country. We want to show the Prime Minister, his family, and cronies, that the country is not for sale. We stand united in believing that it is still not too late to save our country.

Please circulate this message if you believe in making a difference. Tell everyone that Malaysians will demonstrate Civil Disobedience by flying the flag, the first in the history of Civil Disobedience’.

Read the rest of RPK’s post here.