Perak Sultan Nazrin warns Muslim community against handing power to corrupt

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today urged the Muslim community to refrain from entrusting positions of responsibility to individuals tainted by corruption and abuse of power.

His Royal Highness said that the Muslim community must resolutely reject individuals with a corrupt or hypocritical image and those of low morals, as well as any behavior that could tarnish the reputation of the community and the sanctity of Islam.

Sultan Nazrin said that the success of promoting Islam largely depends on the success of its followers and that the Muslim community has the responsibility to present Islam in a dynamic light and fill it with compelling content.

“The image of Islam and the perception of the world about it are influenced by the achievements and status of the Muslim community. Islam will command greater respect and reverence if the majority of its followers demonstrate excellence in various fields.

“Therefore, efforts and programs aimed at human development must be prioritized. To elevate the stature of Islam and the community, it is essential to focus on enriching the young generation with knowledge through coordinated and strategic initiatives, harmonized and integrated efforts,” he said while launching the 72nd meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also present.

His Royal Highness, who is the Chairman of MKI, said that the past greatness of Islam left behind a remarkable legacy and great ideals, however, the progress of a community cannot rely solely on legacy and ideals.

“To transform the quality of the Muslim community towards a more progressive future, we must foster a narrative rooted in realism and forward-thinking.

“The survival of the Muslim community must be based on building mental resilience and instilling the confidence to compete and excel, rather than resorting to fear tactics that create prejudice and discomfort when interacting with non-Muslims,” he said.

Islam is not just about rhetoric, slogans or banners; it must be demonstrated through concrete actions by its followers, Sultan Nazrin said.

“The relevance of Islam can only be proven when it is manifested in the daily lives of Muslims. The greatness of Islam must be reflected in the character and actions of the Muslim community, and not just in the glorified stories of past Islamic figures,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said Muslims must learn from past mistakes, especially the tendency to choose shortcuts for quick solutions, which often result in temporary solutions lacking solid foundations.

At the same time, His Royal Highness urged MKI members to embrace and uphold the spirit of “syura”, focusing on commonalities while avoiding the amplification of differences.

“The practice of “syura,” or consultation, as advocated by Islam, enables leaders to make informed decisions through collective wisdom.

“We must build bridges to reconcile divergent views and interpretations, avoiding confrontations that could break unity within the Muslim community,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin added that the MKI secretariat should engage extensively with all stakeholders before introducing any policy and should be equipped with an effective and comprehensive communication plan to avoid any discord after implementation.

“That the MKI serves effectively as a central advisory body, innovating new strategies and methods to broaden the community mindset.

“By breaking free from narrow perspectives and outdated thinking, the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs is expected to lead a cultural and intellectual transformation, fostering a vibrant and progressive community that amplifies the essence of Islam,” the Sultan said. — Bernama