KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed disappointment over the mismanagement of Tabung Haji, stressing that funds entrusted for religious purposes must be managed with accountability.
Sultan Sharafuddin said Tabung Haji was established to help Malaysian Muslims save money for their pilgrimage to Makkah, and that mismanagement and reported abuses should not have occurred.
"Likewise, there must be accountability and responsibility in managing funds meant for religious purposes," he said, adding that the same principles apply to places of worship of all faiths and orphanages.
The ruler also urged politicians in Selangor to focus on serving the people, promoting economic growth, and preserving unity to maintain the state's leading position in the country.
He said he was fed up with excessive and unproductive politicking.
"Like the rakyat, I am also fed up," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said there was no place for politics that exploited race and religion or dragged the royalty into political disputes.
"Selangor's strength has always been its people. We are blessed with a society made up of different races, religions and cultures that have lived, worked and prospered together for generations," he said.
He acknowledged that politicians had every right to debate policies, offer different ideas, and compete for public support.
"However, politics should never come at the expense of racial harmony or religious understanding," he said in a special interview marking his 25 years on the Selangor throne.
The Sultan also reminded politicians to avoid sensitive remarks that could hurt the feelings of others.
"Don't be a hero or a stirrer. Think before you speak and always be mindful," he said.
He said Selangor, like Malaysia, was built on compromise, mutual respect, and a willingness to appreciate differences while pursuing common goals.
With social media enabling messages to reach millions within minutes, he warned that irresponsible statements could have serious consequences.
"A single irresponsible statement can easily inflame emotions, deepen mistrust and create unnecessary tension among communities.
"This is why public figures must exercise wisdom, restraint and a deep sense of responsibility. Leadership is measured not only by what one says, but also by the consequences those words have on society," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said everyone stood to lose when race and religion were repeatedly used to divide communities or create fear and suspicion.
The ruler also attributed Selangor's success to its diversity, stability, and inclusiveness.
"Investors come here because they see a state that is peaceful and forward-looking. Our young people want opportunities, quality education, good jobs, affordable housing and a better future," he said.
Selangor's diversity, he said, should be regarded as one of its greatest competitive advantages rather than a source of division.
"My advice to all political leaders, regardless of party, is simple: place the interests of the people above political interests.
"Uphold the Federal Constitution, respect the position of Islam as the Religion of the Federation while safeguarding the rights of other religions to be practised in peace and harmony, and preserve the spirit of moderation that has long been the foundation of Selangor," he said.
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