Royal approval: Sultan Sharafuddin signing the Commemorative Plaque at Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom. Looking on are Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (third from left), monks and guests during the Selangor Chinese New Year Celebration at the temple.
KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has objected to the proposal to set guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.
In a statement issued by Istana Alam Shah, it said Sultan Sharafuddin expressed His Royal Highness’ disagreement on the proposal, especially in Selangor.
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“As the head of Islam in Selangor, His Royal Highness is of the opinion that this proposal has come at an unsuitable time when the people from all races and religious faiths, are actively strengthening goodwill to strengthen national unity,’’ the statement said yesterday.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the matter has created unease among the people and disrupted harmony.
His Royal Highness said Islam provides the best guidance through the Quran and Sunnah, noting that this is further reinforced by the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah for Muslims in Malaysia.
As such, concerns that Muslims may be led astray by attending non-Islamic events do not arise.
“His Royal Highness believes Muslims are well aware of the religious boundaries of their faith and are not easily influenced as they can discern between what is good or bad,” the statement added.
Sultan Sharafuddin reminded the people that as a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation, religious tolerance must be upheld.At the same time, all citizens must acknowledge that Islam is the religion of the Federation, as enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution.
The statement said Sultan Sharafuddin advised Muslims, especially those in Selangor, to always strive to strengthen their faith by deepening their religious knowledge as well as following Allah’s commandments and staying away from prohibitions.
ALSO READ: ‘Muslims know what to do’
The Ruler said when Muslims achieve a strong level of faith and spiritual conviction, they will not be easily swayed by external influences.
Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, graced the state-level Chinese New Year celebration at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom last night.
The Selangor Ruler officiated the event by signing the commemorative plaque.
As part of the festivities, Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, together with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, took part in the traditional yee sang tossing ceremony, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, Fo Guang Shan Monastery head abbot Venerable Hsin Bau and Fo Guang Shan Malaysia Dong Zen Temple chief monk Venerable Jue Cheng.
Following the formalities, the festivities continued with a series of cultural performances.
The highlight of the night was a towering 8.5m Year of the Snake-themed lantern.
Running until Chap Goh Mei on Wednesday, which culminates the Chinese New Year celebration, this year’s lantern festival spans an expansive 15ha area under the uplifting theme – “Keep Going, The Future Is Bright”.
Amirudin in his speech said that Selangor will continue to embrace its diversity without restrictive guidelines on interfaith celebrations.
“The presence of our multiracial community tonight is a testament to our shared values of respect, understanding, and harmony.
“In Selangor, we do not merely tolerate diversity, we celebrate it.
“Selangor’s social fabric thrives on mutual respect, which, in turn, contributes to its continued economic and social stability,” the Mentri Besar said.
Amirudin also announced that the state has identified a new site and approved the application for Pin Hwa High School in Kota Kemuning.
The state government has also identified a new site for a Sekolah Agama Rakyat requested by the Federal Government in the Gombak district.
