Selangor Sultan bars royal family from involvement in Kajang by-election

(The Star) – Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has forbidden members of the royal family from interfering or being involved in political activities related to the upcoming Kajang by-election.

They have also been ordered not to allow any political party to use their name and royal status for any form of political campaigning.

“His Royal Highness also hopes that political parties and politicians will not involve the palace in the Kajang by-election campaign,” said a statement signed by the Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Munir Bani.

The statement added the Sultan ordered the prohibition after some pictures were published or aired by the media, depicting political party leaders with members of the royal family with the insinuation they were involved in the political campaign.

“This order was issued to prevent any negative perception about the involvement of the palace in political activities which should not happen and should be prevented,” added Munir in the statement.

He added the Sultan was firm on ensuring that the palace remained independent and will not align itself to any political party.