IPOH: The Covid-19 pandemic is a reminder for political leaders to "reset" and prioritise the governance of the country, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

       Sultan Nazrin said those entrusted with responsibility need to get things back in order.

       "The governance of a country needs to be based on the principle of justice and also to entrust those who are experts in the field.

       "Muslim philosopher Ibnu Khaldun reminded us that a civilization will fall when the government fails to administer justice," Sultan Nazrin said in a speech during the 13th Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah convocation ceremony read by university pro-chancellor Jen (R) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin on Saturday (Aug 21).

       Sultan Nazrin also said Ibnu Khaldun, in a preamble 800 years ago associated disaster with societal change over five phases.

       He said the first phase is whereby a race, based on the spirit of solidarity, moves to form a political identity.

       "The second phase would be the beginning of the expansion of power, influence and territory.

       "The third phase is when a kingdom goes through an era of luxury and pleasure due to the results of the previous governments.

       "The fourth phase is the phase of negligence and satisfaction with achievements and the fifth phase is the fall and destruction of a political and governmental identity.

       "Ibnu Khaldun reminded us that the five phases will repeat and each civilisation and political identity will face this," he said.

       "Mankind, when facing a disaster, needs to delve into the depths of their hearts and minds, to realise the possibility that a political identity, government, country and civilisation could fall if a country is not well-prepared and strong," he added.

       Sultan Nazrin said the people should also accept the reality that Covid-19 was part of nature and would continue to be in our lives.

       "It will take the world longer before we can overcome or defeat this dangerous virus.

       "Until mankind can find a potent antidote, we will need to think about changes, adaptation and migration from the norm of life before this by having a wise world view," he said.