Statements are from Sultan, not me, says Munir

(The Star) – The private secretary to the Sultan of Selangor has refuted allegations that statements from the palace ticking off the Mentri Besar and some other state leaders did not come from the Ruler.

Datuk Munir Bani said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah cleared all statements issued by the palace.

“All press releases and written statements issued by me were in accordance with the Sultan’s instructions,” said Munir, adding that the Sultan also checked every paragraph before giving his nod.

His denial yesterday came in the wake of accusations by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim that statements from the palace criticising him (Khalid) and three others had not come from the Ruler but were Munir’s personal views.

“Legal experts, such as the state legal adviser, are consulted when statements involve legal matters,” Munir said.

He also denied accussations that he was siding with Umno and the Barisan Nasional to work against the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government.

“Let it be clear that I’m not involved in politics,” he said, adding that he was a neutral civil servant.