Sultan: Don’t abuse power
Harsh enforcement must end, says Perak ruler
Perak Ruler concerned over the arrogance and high-handedness of certain religious officers.
IPOH: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah expressed concern over the abuse of power, arrogance and high-handedness of certain religious officers and institutions in their enforcement, which he said tarnished Islam’s good name.
He said interrogations which had elements of torture and abuse, implemented to enforce regulations, smeared the sanctity of the religion.
“Malaysia is respected among Islamic and non-Islamic nations for its religious moderation.
“Words of contempt and activities with elements of vengefulness, threats as well as arrests with interrogations containing elements of torture and abuse portray a very negative image of Islam in this country,” Sultan Nazrin said while addressing state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration here.
The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, was also present.
The Sultan also said boycotting groups or individuals to the extent of refusing to administer a corpse because of a misunderstanding should be firmly opposed.
“Islam advocates moderation. The majority of Muslims who adhere to moderate practices must speak up and not give in to the minority extremist groups,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said there was a need to review the method of propagation and the way various religious issues are addressed, especially among the youth.
This was all the more necessary in the face of rapidly changing culture in the era of technology and a more literate, more educated and more exposed society, he said.
The Sultan said Islam should be promoted through a prudent, polite and honourable approach without coercion, pressure or violence.
“The sanctity of Islam should be safeguarded through discussions and arguments based on truth in the spirit of respect for differences in views,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin also presented an Exemplary Family Award to Ismail Abdullah of Bukit Merah, Bagan Serai, which came with a RM5,000 cash prize.
The Sultan also presented awards to mosque and religious officials, namely Bahari Ahmad of Kampung Temelong, Lenggong; Hussain Lebai Ismail of Felda Sungai Klah, Sungkai; Saad Brahim of Kampung Masjid Batu, Kuala Kurau and Muhammad Nassir Thanabalan Abdullah of Taman Seri Raiya, Ipoh.
Each of them received RM3,000 cash, a certificate, a plaque and a gift.