Sivarasa apologises to Sultan over mosque speech

SHAH ALAM: Subang MP R. Sivarasa has apologised to Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in a personal letter on Monday.

The PKR lawmaker said in a statement Wednesday that he submitted the letter to the palace to explain what actually transpired during a event to present aid at the prayer hall of Masjid An Nur in Kampung Melayu Subang last week.

''In the letter, I have explained to the Sultan that my brief speech was neither political nor a ceramah.

"However, I have studied the Sultan's decree last Friday over his directive and reminder for politicians not to deliver speeches or talks in mosques regardless they were Muslim or not,'' he said.

Sivarasa said that he had clearly breached the order by delivering a brief speech in the mosque and he therefore asked for the Sultan's forgiveness by penning the letter.

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said he personally delivered the letter to the palace to be given to Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Monday.

Azmin said that Sivarasa penned the letter because has accepted the fact that there was impudence on his part and that  it was necessary for him to pen the letter.

''I am sure he will make a wise decision to resolve the matter and take responsibility for his action,'' he told the press after attending a book launch at Raja Tun Uda library here Wednesday.

Last Friday, Sultan Sharafuddin rebuked Sivarasa, saying that the PKR lawmaker had crossed the line for not following his directive for politicians not to deliver speeches or talks in mosques.

He then ordered Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) to investigate what transpired at the mosque, and to deal with the mosque's committee members if there was evidence that they had breached regulations.

JAIS has met with the mosque administrator and event organiser over the incident.

However, the investigation by a special panel into what transpired in the mosque is still ongoing.