SULTAN ACCEPTS AFIFI’S RESIGNATION

Afifi’s decision made out of sense of responsibility and loyalty to sultan

SULTAN of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has accepted Datuk Dr Afifi Al-Akiti’s resignation from holding the title of Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan (Orang Besar Delapan) Perak.

Perak Senate secretary Datuk Seri Ayop Hashim said Dr Afifi had submitted a letter yesterday, seeking Sultan Nazrin’s consent to resign from holding the title.

Afifi’s letter was subsequently presented to the Perak sultan for consideration.

“His Highness expressed his appreciation for all the services provided by Afifi during his tenure as Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan and consented to the application to be enforced on May 15,” Ayop said in a statement here yesterday.

According to the letter attached to the statement, Afifi, among others, stated that the letter was submitted following the spread of certain materials on social media recently aimed at tarnishing his name.

“I chose not to comment or give any answers that could trigger a debate that did not provide any benefit.

“The viral posts also appear to question the appropriateness of my role as I was attached to the palace institution, and it also disputed my role in Islamic religious affairs.

“Realising that this matter, if prolonged, will mar the image of the sultan and the palace institution, I submit this letter to convey my sincere desire to resign from holding the title of Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan,” said Afifi.

He said the decision was made out of his sense of responsibility and loyalty as a subject of the Perak sultan.

Recently, there was a video clip that went viral showing a man, who was alleged to be a religious figure and adviser to the sultan, being spotted at a nightclub.