Nazri: Be mindful of status, stature of Rulers - The Star

KUALA KANGSAR: Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin should exercise greater care in carrying out his duties as the Perak menteri besar, especially in matters pertaining to Islam and Malay customs.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz reminded Mohammad Nizar and top officials in all state governments, that they should be mindful of the status of the Malay Rulers.

"Many people think the Malay Rulers are merely ceremonial figures and have no say in the administration of the state. The truth is, the Rulers have a special position in the power-sharing equation in the states.

"Even the British had exercised their power on all administrative matters except those touching on Islam and Malay customs. These two areas come directly under the purview of the Malay Rulers," he said after closing a village health camp at Kampung Sauk here yesterday.

"We have continued the practice after we attained independence. In matters relating to Islam and Malay customs, the state governments, under the leadership of the menteris besar, must obtain approval from the Rulers," said Nazri.

Therefore, he said, when a menteri besar failed to consult the Ruler, the Ruler had the right to point out the wrong and issue direction to correct the situation.

He said Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah acted rightly by instructing Nizar to withdraw the transfer order and reinstate Jamry as the director of the Perak state Religious Department. Jamry is also secretary of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.

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