I still remember the first time I saw him in Kuala Kangsar more than 10 years ago, and almost instantly I had so much admiration for the Ruler.

However HRH’s decision not to dissolve the Perak State Legislative Assembly amid political uncertainty in Perak, and to return the power to select people’s representatives back to the people, undeniably has eroded my own personal admiration for Him.

After all these years, and while celebrating His silver jubilee as the State Ruler, HRH chose not to listen to the voices of the majority in Perak who wants to be given a second chance to reaffirm their stand in erecting their very own state government.

We know the fact HRH studied the state constitution well, but why couldn’t He become the Sultan for the people of Perak? Should He listen to the people, we would not have so much of political turmoil and uncertainty in Perak, and the people would be happy with the Sultan. Does He want that too? Does He want the people to regard Him as the people’s Sultan when He passed away? I guess all people want it that way badly.

After all, the actual purpose, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution, in preserving the Constitutional Monarchy, is to keep the balance of power in place should the people be marginalised by the executive and/or judiciary systems.

There were scores of others who had expressed similar dismay over the HRH’s decision, and these could be found on the HRH’s website which has been shut down for this reason.

However, as the guestbook of the website is powered and hosted by Dreambook, a third-party website, the comments on the guestbook could still be viewed.

My respectful view is that HRH may have acted erroneously in directing the resignation of the Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin and his state exco members, when He had an opportunity to give His people their undying right to give a fresh mandate to whichever faction they believe leading them well.