Khalid Samad apologises to Sultan of Selangor

(The Star) – PAS Member of Parliament Khalid Samad has issued a public apology to Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over his statement questioning the executive powers of the State Islamic Council (Mais).

Clarifying that he was only suggesting for a review on Mais’ powers and not the Sultan, the Shah Alam MP, however, said he was confused and shocked at the way the Sultan reacted towards his statement, which was made last month.

“I am shocked as after making the statement, I met the Sultan at the state mosque for an event and Tuanku showed no signs of anger when I shook his hands before leaving.

“But as the Sultan has reprimanded me, I ask for forgiveness as I did not mean to be rude or ignorant towards the Sultan in any ways,” he told a packed news conference at his service centre on Thursday.

Saying that his late father was buried in the state and that he has been residing in Selangor for years, Khalid pointed that he would never go against the Sultan and had always respected the Malay Rulers’ system.

“I suggested that the implementation side of Mais, which is handled by Jais (Selangor State Islamic Department), be passed to the state government under the exco in charge of Islamic affairs.

“The policy making part can remain with Mais and the Sultan as lately there have been numerous complaints on the way the implementation process was conducted,” he said.

Citing several incidents that put Jais and Mais in a bad light, including Mais refusal to return the Bibles in the Malay language that were seized from the Bibles Society of Malaysia’s office, Khalid said his suggestion was only to protect the image of the Sultan from being tarnished.

“It would be better if the state handled the implementation part as it knows how to deal with sensitive matters rather than being clueless on whatever Jais does as currently Jais is only answerable to Mais,” he said.

The second-term MP added that he had written a formal letter to the palace on Wednesday evening to seek an audience with the Sultan.

“I hope to meet the Sultan and explain what happen. Should the Sultan feel I am still wrong, I will accept it wholeheartedly and apologise to him again,” he said.

Asked why did he not hold the press conference together with the other three other MPs, who he jointly made the statement on calling for the review of Mais, Khalid said he did not wish to drag the others into the situation..

“The Sultan mentioned only my name and so I feel it is only fair if I apologise alone,” he said, adding that he was not pressured by PAS to issue the apology.

The other three were Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin, Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud and Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat.

When asked if he was prepared to be exiled from the state should the Sultan decide to do so, Khalid said he would abide to what was decreed by the Ruler.

On Tuesday, Sultan Sharafuddin ticked off Khalid for suggesting that Mais be stripped of its executive powers, labelling him as ignorant of the state Islamic laws and Mais’ role.