Uphold national unity and harmony at all times, says Selangor Ruler

KLANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminds all Malaysians, particularly those wielding political power, to ensure that national unity and harmony is upheld at all times.

Sultan Sharafuddin said, while pursuing political power and position, it must not be forgotten that unity is a nation's foundation for success.

"The country will regress in every aspect if political leaders were keen in propagating racial polarisation and instigating the people in the name of race and religion," said the Sultan.

The Ruler, who said he was speaking in his capacity as the chairman of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), as well as after the people had voiced out their concern and urged the Malay Rulers to intervene.

According to Sultan Sharafuddin, those who have been influenced by the instigation of political leaders, who promote religious and religious politics, have the potential to trigger feelings of suspicion, disagreement, discord and division.

"Extreme polarisation will create implications of creating elements of radicalism and extremism in society which can threaten national security.

"Leaders and politicians must inculcate a high level of national unity amongst the various races because every race in this country plays an important role in the nation's cultural and economic development," said the Ruler.

Sultan Sharafuddin said programmes should be initiated to banish the division and differences between the people.

The Ruler also added the younger generation should be inculcated with tolerance and understanding of the culture and religion of the various races in the country.

Sultan Sharafuddin also called out the recent practice of political leaders issuing fatwas (religious edicts).

"I would like to emphasise that in this country, fatwas can only be issued by the state fatwa committees or the mufti after receiving the respective state ruler's approval.

"At the same time, the National Muzakarah Committee, which is under MKI, is responsible for issuing the legal opinion (related to the fatwa) after discussions with muftis of every state and the approval of the Council of Rulers," said Sultan Sharafuddin.

The Sultan said fatwas were issued not solely based on the individual opinion of just one Mufti but on collective and majority consensus of the MKI's National Muzakarah Committee and state fatwa committees which is made-up of religious experts.

The Ruler said these measures were to ensure that fatwas were accurate and benefitted Muslims as well as others.

"If political leaders and politicians are allowed to issue fatwas, it will only create strife, division and violence in society which will in turn the civilisation of a race.

"I would like to remind and urge everyone, especially political leaders, to immediately stop issuing fatwas irresponsibly in order to maintain unity amongst the people.

"I am not willing to see the people divided by the antics of some irresponsible political leaders," said Sultan Sharafuddin.

Sultan Sharafuddin also urged the police to take proactive action in investigating and initiating action against those who raise sensitive issues involving religion, race and the position of the Malay Rulers so that it will be a lesson and will deter others from doing the same.