The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris has decreed that mosques and suraus in the state must be free from the culture of slander and the spreading of any allegations, and also not to use places of worship to advance an individual’s personal interests.

His Royal Highness pointed out that these places of worship are not political arenas, nor are they places to sow hatred and contempt among Muslims, and instead they should function as centers of worship, dakwah and unity for the ummah.

The Sultan was speaking at the presentation of instruments of appointments to ‘nazirs’ and ‘imams’ and he stressed that these are not political posts to be contested for personal gain but sacred trusts that are ultimately accountable to Allah.

His Highness warned that he does not want to receive complaints about competition for positions in the management of mosques and suraus as they would only breed dissatisfaction, hostility and factions among Muslims.

The Sultan added that he did not want Malays to be misguided and divided in their quest for power and positions and stressed that these places of worship must be administered with full trust, transparency and integrity.

The Sultan stated that he does not want Islam to be viewed negatively by followers of other religions and wanted the sanctity of the religion to be not tarnished by Malay Muslims as a number of them have been hauled to court for corruption and abuse of power.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE