The Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, said the royal institution was even more needed when the country faced various threats through globalisation and the western template of democracy, which had resulted in a clash of national identity.

“The constitutional monarchy acts as a unifying mechanism in a landscape of diverse cultures and religions, protecting the prosperity and security of the country.

“The unique condition of our country is such that it also requires a neutral supreme institution that can reprimand, advise and share its viewpoint.

“If such an institution is absent, unity, patriotism and loyalty to the country will also erode,” he said during the dialogue session entitled “Royal Discourse: Rulers, Constitution and Patriotism” at a hotel here today.

Present were Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) president Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman.

Tengku Abdullah stressed that when the harmony, unity and well-being of the people were under threat, rulers used their sovereign power to find solutions.

“As seen during the 2008 general election, the constitutional disputes over the appointments of the menteri besar for Perlis, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu were resolved through the wisdom of their rulers,” he said.

Tengku Abdullah also urged the government to improve the country’s current parliamentary democracy system, making it in line with current trends.