KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has decreed that the appointment of the religious affairs minister should be based on their academic qualifications.
In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, the sultan, who also serves as the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chairman, said this could come on top of the current practice of appointing the post from among non-political members.
"I also suggest that academic qualifications based on Islamic education degrees should be the main criteria in appointing a religious affairs minister.
"I also hope that the practice of appointing the religious affairs minister from non-political members currently being implemented can be continued to ensure that issues related to Islamic religious affairs are not politicised, and full attention can be given by him in addressing various issues involving Muslims."
Sultan Sharafuddin, in the same posting also urged all parties to respect the decisions of the Federal Court, and the position of the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the country.
Sultan Sharafuddin was responding to the recent Federal Court decision which nullified 16 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (1) Enactment 2019.
The sultan also called upon Muslims in the country to continue strengthening their commitment to unity and brotherhood, which has been the core of the country's progress.
"Indeed, strong brotherhood among the Muslim community can generate success and excellence for the prosperity and sovereignty of the entire country.
"Based on that intention, disputes and conflicts that arise among the community on any issue should be managed with orderliness, wisdom, and fairness to all parties," Sultan Sharafuddin said.