Sultan Azlan Shah, A Wise Leader Who Protected His People
Sultan Azlan Shah, A Wise Leader Who Protected His People
On May 28, 2014, Malaysia, particularly the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan, was shaken by the news of the passing of a highly respected monarch—DYMM Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah. His Majesty passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind an invaluable legacy in the history of law, constitutionalism, and the governance of the state of Perak.
His passing was felt not only by the royal family but also by all Malaysians, especially the people of Perak who deeply loved and respected his leadership. He is survived by the Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun binti Mohamad Ali, a son, the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, and three daughters, Raja Dato’ Seri Azureen, Raja Dato’ Seri Eleena, and Raja Dato’ Seri Yong Sofia.
His third child, Raja Dato’ Seri Ashman, had passed away earlier on March 30, 2012. The remains of the late Sultan Azlan Shah were then laid to rest with full state honors at the Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Early Life and Education
Raja Azlan Shah was born on April 19, 1928, in Kampung Manggis, Batu Gajah, Perak, when the state was still under British rule. He was the grandson of Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in knowledge.
His early education began at the Government English School (now known as SMK Sultan Yussuf) in Batu Gajah, before continuing his studies at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), an elite educational institution that has produced many national leaders. His profound interest in law led him to the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, where he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1953. On November 23, 1954, he was officially admitted to Lincoln’s Inn, one of the oldest legal institutions in England, qualifying him as a certified barrister.
Career in the Judiciary
Before ascending the throne of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah built a brilliant career in the judiciary. On November 12, 1982, he was appointed as the fifth Lord President of the Federal Court of Malaysia, succeeding Tun Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Hashim. This historic appointment was finalized by the 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Ahmad Shah, at Istana Tetamu, Kuala Lumpur, and witnessed by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
Before holding the highest position in the Malaysian judicial system, he served as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Malaya from 1979 to 1982. His expertise and integrity in the legal field contributed significantly to the formation of the nation's justice system.
Ascension to the Perak Throne
Raja Azlan Shah's journey to the Perak throne began with his appointment as Raja Kecil Bongsu in 1962, succeeding Raja Kamarulzaman, the Raja Di-Hilir Perak who had passed away. In 1963, following the death of his father, Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah, he was promoted to Raja Kecil Tengah.
In the 1970s, fate tested him again with the passing of his elder brother, Raja Ekram, the Raja Di-Hilir Perak, as well as his uncle, Raja Lope Nur Rashid, the Raja Kecil Sulong Perak. This led to his promotion to the rank of Raja Kecil Besar (Third Heir to the Perak Throne).
The next significant event occurred on July 1, 1983, when he was proclaimed as the Raja Muda of Perak by Sultan Idris Iskandar Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah II, succeeding Raja Muda Musa II who had passed away. This appointment occurred in a unique situation where the then Raja Di-Hilir Perak, Raja Ahmad Hisham, declined the position due to health reasons.
Six months later, Sultan Idris Shah II passed away due to a heart attack on January 31, 1984. Consequently, Raja Azlan Shah was automatically declared the 34th Sultan of Perak on February 3, 1984. His official coronation ceremony took place on December 9, 1985, at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. On the same day, Tuanku Bainun was also crowned as the Raja Permaisuri Perak.
Becoming the 9th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
In addition to ruling the state of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah also shouldered the responsibility as the Head of State. On March 2, 1989, during the 146th Special Meeting of the Conference of Rulers chaired by the Sultan of Selangor, he was elected as the 9th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.
On April 26, 1989, he officially took the oath of office and signed the declaration letter at the Balairong Seri, Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. This historic ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Ghafar Baba, and several other national leaders.
He held the position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong until April 25, 1994. Throughout his reign, he was known as a fair, wise monarch who placed great emphasis on the welfare of the people.
Role in the 2009 Perak Political Crisis
One of the significant episodes in Sultan Azlan Shah's reign was the Perak political crisis in 2009. While the state of Perak was busy celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his reign, a shift occurred where three State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) members moved from Pakatan Rakyat to Barisan Nasional, causing the state government to lose its majority.
As the Head of State, he played a crucial role in determining the direction of the Perak government. He decided not to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly despite requests from the then Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. Instead, he confirmed the formation of a new government by Barisan Nasional after interviewing each ADUN member to ensure majority support.
This decision was made based on provisions in the Perak State Constitution, specifically Clause 16(6) and Clause 18(2)(b), which grant discretionary power to the Sultan in certain matters. His actions reflected wisdom in handling a constitutional crisis without violating democratic principles.
The passing of Sultan Azlan Shah was not just the loss of a monarch, but also a symbol of justice, wisdom, and superior leadership. He is remembered not only as a beloved Sultan of Perak but also as a statesman who served Malaysia well.
May the soul of the late Sultan be blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah.
References:
- National Archives of Malaysia, Perak State
- sultanazlanshah.com
- Perak State Museum Board
- D.Y.M.M. Sultan Azlan Shah Passes Away, Official Portal of the Selangor State Government
- Sembangkuala
