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Raja Nazrin will
pay for his own wedding
©Bernama (Used
by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The noble attitude of the Raja Muda of
Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah who has graciously declined the use of state funds for
his wedding on Thursday, has won praises from people of all walks of life.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described it as a responsible move
and said that it showed the Raja Muda did not want to waste the people's money.
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said Raja Nazrin's attitude
should be highly admired because it was a nobility that should be emulated.
"I respectfully salute His Highness," he said. It should serve as a message to
the people, especially the artistes, who spent lavishly to hold wedding
receptions as proof of their financial status, he added.
Some of them, despite having limited financial capacities, still wanted to be
lush and as a result, they had to bear debts, he said.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said yesterday that the Raja
Muda had gracefully and respectfully expressed his thanks to the state
government's offer to provide funds for his forthcoming wedding with Zara Salim
Davidson but advised the state government to spend the money on development
projects for the people instead.
Raja Nazrin had also asked for all expenses for the people's feast in
conjunction with his wedding to be billed to him, and called on companies and
individuals not to rush into buying advertisement space for congratulatory
mesages. Such expenses should be channelled towards charitable causes, he was
reported to have said.
Commenting on this, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Raja Nazrin had once again won the people's hearts
with his humility.
"The royal wedding will still be a beautiful historic event though it is held in
moderation. Raja Nazrin is always in the hearts of the people who are praying
for his happiness," she said.
Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Raja Muda had
showed that although he was member of the royal family, he did not invoke any
privilleges in his personal affairs.
"His Highness has given an indication to the people from all levels of society
that wedding ceremonies are personal in nature and he does not use opulence and
people's resources for himself," he said.
DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang said Raja Nazrin had shown a good example as a
respected leader.
"Raja Nazrin's stand not to use the state government's funds is a good message
for other leaders," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had also shown such gesture when
refusing grand ceremonies and adopting a modest approach, he added. "This modest
character is hardly seen these days," he said.
DAP vice-president M. Kulasegaran said: "I am very happy and proud for having a
far-sighted Raja Muda because it is the people's money. This example is a very
good gesture for all people."
He said the Raja Muda was a man with excellent personality for thinking that the
money should be given to those who were really in need and for the good and
wellbeing of the people.
Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria said Raja Nazrin's action "means that
the question of marriage is his personal right."
"So, it is His Highness who pays for the expenses. If a king has given the best
example to the people, why should we as ordinary citizens hold grand ceremonies
with the purpose of showing off," he said.
Perak MIC chairman Datuk G. Rajoo also welcomed Raja Nazrin's action and said
the Raja Muda had very honourable intentions and served as a good example for
the people.
National Sikh Movement president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill said: "Like his
father Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Dr Nazrin has introduced something, namely the
people should be the priority. For him, the people come first.
"His Highness is very loving, kind and unselfish. He wants to ensure the people
get the infrastructure and good surrounding to live in," he said. "He is the
best example to be followed," he added.
Transparency International Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said Raja
Nazrin had shown the best example of transparency and integrity in leadership.
"The leaders should emulate High Highness by refusing grants or presents often
given in particular events," he said. This would make the people love him more
and respect him as a leader, he added.
Umno Youth economic bureau chairman Rizal Merican Naina Merican said Raja Nazrin
had become a symbol of nobility.
His wedding was the state government's function but his decision to decline
state allocations was commendable for a prince who puts the people's interests
above his own.
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Circular No 231/2010: 2nd Asia Pacific Regional Forum Conference
