Sultan: Stern action against extremists

KLANG (March 24, 2008): Stern action will be taken against extremists in Selangor, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah warned today.

“The extremist attitude will destroy the Selangor that we love. I will not hesitate to ask the police or other related authorities to take stern action against the extremists,” he said in his speech during the swearing-in ceremony of the state executive council.

He said although he is head of Islam in the state, it is important to ensure that religious freedom is defended by all.

“I would like to remind Muslims to tolerate and respect other religions in Selangor,” he said.

The Sultan also reminded all politicians that mosques or suraus should not be used for political purposes.

He said he hoped Muslims in the state would abide by his advice so that the holiness of the religion would not be manipulated by the irresponsible.

The Sultan also said the institution of the Sultanate is very important to ensure peace in the state and urged all to respect the customs and culture that had been inherited through the generations.

He said the state assemblymen should respect and uphold the Sultanate as an example to the people and play the role of mediator between the people and the Sultan.

The Sultan said all parties now have to work together for a prosperous state since the people had decided who should administer the state.

“I hope all the Exco members will cooperate with each other and work together with government officials,” he said.

He said the elected representatives should tackle as soon as possible the grievances of the people such as floods, traffic congestion, roads that are not maintained, lack of comfortable house and poverty.

“I hope the peoples’ representatives will avoid abuses as dishonesty will affect your own good names,” he added.

Pauline Puah
THE SUN