Sultan Sharafuddin, accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Tengku Amir Shah, arriving for the opening ceremony of the state assembly in Shah Alam in February. — KK SHAM/The Star
SELANGOR Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has consistently spoken up whenever issues arise that could undermine unity and communal harmony in the state.
For Tuanku, unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among the people of Selangor are essential foundations for the nation’s growth and well-being.
In 2022, Sultan Sharafuddin openly defended the Japanese Bon Odori celebration after the then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs, Datuk Idris Ahmad, advised Muslims not to attend the event on grounds that it contained elements of another religion.
The Sultan promptly issued a statement urging Idris to distinguish between religion and culture. His Royal Highness stressed that the Bon Odori Festival is a cultural celebration held in Selangor to strengthen ties between Malaysians and the Japanese community.
Tuanku also directed the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) not to obstruct the festival in any way.
The royal couple posing for a snapshot at the Larian KITA X Pesta Kelaut @ Pantai Kelanang 2025 photo booth in Banting in July. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
This year, the Sultan has spoken on many significant issues concerning not only the community, but also the governance of the state.
In his royal address at the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th State Assembly, Sultan Sharafuddin reminded state officials and civil servants to steer clear of corruption and misappropriation.
His Royal Highness specifically called out those in district offices and local authorities, emphasising that department heads must prevent abuses of power.
“I do not want to hear any more stories about fraudulent land transfers or the issuance of business licences for personal gain,” Tuanku said, referring to the case in which seven staff members of the Klang District and Land Office were among 17 civil servants arrested over illegal land transfer activities.
Sultan Sharafuddin delivering his speech during the launch of Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah in Shah Alam in January. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
The Sultan had advised Selangor’s elected representatives to serve the community wholeheartedly and design programmes that enhance the people’s well-being.
“I want to see my government and the public service in Selangor carry out their responsibilities with full integrity, efficiency and competitiveness,” Tuanku added.
In his royal address for the country’s 68th National Day celebration, Sultan Sharafuddin reminded Malaysians that independence is a profound responsibility entrusted to every citizen –one that must be safeguarded with unwavering commitment, unity and a strong sense of national identity.
Tuanku had expressed hope that the spirit of independence would inspire Malaysians to pursue personal growth alongside the progress of their families and the nation.
His Royal Highness had called on the public to return to the core values of the Rukun Negara and practise them in daily life.
The royal couple greeting people at the Tengku Ampuan Jemaah Mosque in Shah Alam on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri in March. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
Sultan Sharafuddin has always stressed the need to preserve harmony among Malaysians of diverse races, religions and cultures, urging everyone to cultivate a strong national identity and respect the democratically elected government for the sake of stability and prosperity.
The Ruler also rejected a proposal to introduce guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim celebrations.
“As the head of Islam in Selangor, His Royal Highness believes the proposal comes at an inappropriate time, especially when Malaysians of diverse backgrounds are working to strengthen goodwill and foster national unity,” the palace had said in a statement earlier this year.
The Sultan had felt that the proposal had caused public unease and risked disrupting existing harmonious relations.
His Royal Highness reminded Malaysians that in a diverse society, religious tolerance must be upheld, while emphasising that Islam must continue to be respected as the religion of the federation, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Following the launch of the Bandar Teknologi Kajang Mosque in Semenyih in March, Sultan Sharafuddin presented contributions to the underprivileged. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
The Ruler has consistently expressed concern for the rights and well-being of the Orang Asli community as well.
In his address at the opening of the state legislative assembly in 2009, Sultan Sharafuddin called for the restoration of Orang Asli rights, particularly those related to their ancestral land.
The Sultan noted that the community had experienced a gradual erosion of its identity, and emphasised that resolving land issues was essential to restoring their rights and dignity.
“I wish to stress the importance of recognising and preserving Orang Asli land that has been taken from them over the past few years,” the Sultan said.
The Ruler is also known for his relaxed approach to protocol and formality.
Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin joining the victorious Selangor Selection team to celebrate their win at this year’s Sultan of Selangor’s Cup in September, marking the Red Giants’ 12th title. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
Businessman Shekh Imaduddin Hakmi Shekh Yahya Hakmi recounted to The Star in 2016 how he initially did not recognise Sultan Sharafuddin during the Road to Mandalay Rally in 2015, unknowingly addressing him as “pak cik (uncle)”.
Shekh Imaduddin said he had met another group participating in the rally at the Thai–Myanmar border when a gentleman from the group asked if he was from Malaysia.
“Yes, I am from Malaysia, pak cik,” he replied – only to be nudged by a friend, who whispered that he was addressing the Sultan of Selangor.
Summoning his courage, Shekh Imaduddin then approached the Sultan to apologise.
“I apologised profusely, but Tuanku simply smiled graciously and said it was all right,” Shekh Imaduddin recalled.
Sultan Sharafuddin is also an avid reader with an extensive personal library housing books on nearly every subject imaginable across his palace and several other locations.
Sultan Sharafuddin signing a board to mark the launch of Yusof Ghani’s Cenderawasih: Energy & Emotion series at Tapak Gallery, Shah Alam, in June, as the artist looks on. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
His Royal Highness has contributed generously to public libraries by donating a significant number of books.
In an earlier interview, his private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani noted that the Sultan devotes almost all his spare time to reading.
“Tuanku is constantly reading whenever he has a moment to himself. Tuanku even reads while travelling in the car,” Mohamad Munir said.
Sultan Sharafuddin was born on Dec 24, 1945, at Istana Jemaah in Klang as Tengku Idris Shah to the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, then the Raja Muda, and his first wife, Raja Saidatul Ihsan Tengku Badar Shah.
Sultan Sharafuddin became the Raja Muda of Selangor at the age of 15 in 1960 when his father ascended the throne. Tuanku himself became the Sultan in 2001 upon his father’s passing.
Sultan Sharafuddin, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and other guests of honour joining in the tossing of yeesang at the Fo Guang shan dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom during the selangor chinese New year celebration2025. — ShaarI ChemaT/The star
Tuanku received his early education at the Malay Primary School in Jalan Raja Muda, Kuala Lumpur, before continuing at St John’s Institution.
In 1960, he attended the Hale School in Perth, Australia, followed by Langhurst College in Surrey, England, in 1964.
Upon returning to Malaysia, he served as a civil servant at the Selangor state secretariat, the Kuala Lumpur district office and the police department.
He is also the Captain-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Sultan Sharafuddin has three children – Tengku Zerafina, Tengku Zatashah and the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah – as well as a granddaughter.
Sultan Sharafuddin shared the rich history of the Selangor Sultanate with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam during his visit to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery in July, guiding him through exhibition materials curated from the personal collection of his late father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. — Photo from Selangor Royal Office Facebook page
Tuanku is married to Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
May Sultan Sharafuddin, who celebrates his official 80th birthday today, be blessed with good health and many more years ahead.
Daulat Tuanku!
