KUALA KANGSAR, May 12 — The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah urged the new Perak state government to repay the people’s trust by dedicating themselves to serving the public.

Sultan Nazrin said each candidate that had won the trust of the people in the election had a responsibility and duty to the public.

The ruler made the statement in his royal decree here today, after the swearing-in ceremony of Ahmad Faizal Azumu as the state’s 12th mentri besar at Istana Iskandariah.

Sultan Nazrin Shah congratulated Faizal and the other 58 state assemblymen on winning the trust of the people.

However, he reminded them of their duties and responsibilities to the people that they now represented.

"The people have made their choice and given you a new duty in each constituency,” decreed the Sultan.

"Respect their decision and appreciate the trust they have given you by dedicating yourselves to public service.”

From an Islamic perspective, Sultan Nazrin Shah decreed that politics were not limited to affairs of government.

He said politics also played a major role in matters of education, spirituality and the spreading of values and principles.

Islam, said the Ruler, advocated that this be achieved peacefully through sincere advice, persuasion and by leading through example.

"Islam stresses elements of integrity, honesty and trustworthiness should be upheld in political culture, with the realisation that the judgment of our actions is not limited to our life in this world.

"Thus, practise a political culture that is in line with the positive values advocated in Islam,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin Shah said the recently-concluded election had served as a victory to all the people who displayed maturity by fulfilling their respective political rights.

This, he said, allowed a smooth and peaceful transition of power.

"I express my gratitude to all the parties who committed to ensuring that this process could proceed peacefully,” decreed the Sultan.

Sultan Nazrin Shah also said the main post-election challenge was to unite the people, and avoid divisive tactics.

"Always be prepared to listen to the people’s voices with an open mind. Be ready to admit and correct your mistakes,” the Ruler advised.

"Let the government strive to continue developing Perak as a state that is prosperous and blessed by God.”