The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called on all Malaysians, especially those in positions of political power, to prioritize national unity and harmony. Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized that unity is the key to the success of a nation, and that focusing solely on political power and position can lead to regression in every aspect of the country. He warned that promoting racial polarization and inciting people based on race and religion will have negative implications for society and threaten national security.
Speaking as the chairman of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his concern after receiving feedback from the people and being urged by the Malay Rulers to intervene. He stated that those influenced by political leaders promoting religious politics are more susceptible to suspicion, discord, and division. The Sultan urged leaders and politicians to prioritize national unity, as every race in the country plays a significant role in its cultural and economic development.
Sultan Sharafuddin recommended the initiation of programs aimed at eliminating division and differences among the people. He stressed the importance of instilling tolerance and understanding of the various races’ cultures and religions in the younger generation. The Sultan also criticized the recent trend of political leaders issuing fatwas (religious edicts).
He clarified that fatwas in the country can only be issued by state fatwa committees or the mufti with the approval of the respective state ruler. The National Muzakarah Committee, under MKI, is responsible for issuing legal opinions after discussions with muftis from each state and the approval of the Council of Rulers, according to Sultan Sharafuddin. He emphasized that fatwas are not based solely on individual opinions but rather on the collective consensus of religious experts from the National Muzakarah Committee and state fatwa committees.
Sultan Sharafuddin believes allowing political leaders and politicians to issue fatwas irresponsibly will only create division and violence in society, jeopardizing the progress of a race. He urged everyone, especially political leaders, to refrain from issuing fatwas without proper authority in order to maintain unity among the people. The Sultan also called on the police to proactively investigate and take action against those who raise sensitive issues involving religion, race, and the position of the Malay Rulers, as a deterrent for others.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
