POLITICIANS must stop exploiting racial and religious issues for political gain as such tactics risk undermining the harmony and stability that underpin Selangor’s economic success, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has warned.
His Royal Highness said the state’s strength lay in its multiracial, multireligious population, whose communities had lived and worked together for generations, making diversity a key advantage rather than a source of division.
In a special interview marking the silver jubilee of his reign, he urged politicians to prioritise public welfare, economic growth and unity instead of engaging in excessive politicking.
“Like the people, I am fed up,” Bernama reported him saying, adding that there was no place for politics that exploited race and religion or dragged the royal institution into political disputes.
The Selangor Ruler cautioned that irresponsible statements could spread to millions of people within minutes through social media, inflaming emotions, deepening mistrust and triggering unnecessary tensions.
“Do not try to be a champion or a provocateur. Think before speaking and always be careful,” the Sultan said.
While acknowledging politicians’ right to debate policies, express differing views and compete for public support, the Sultan stressed that political rivalry must not come at the expense of racial harmony or interfaith understanding.
He said Selangor’s stability and inclusiveness helped attract investors, while young people needed quality education, good jobs, affordable housing and better opportunities.
The Sultan urged political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to put the people’s interests above political considerations.
Separately, he expressed disappointment over the mismanagement of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), stressing that funds entrusted for religious purposes must be managed with accountability and responsibility.
His Royal Highness said TH was established to help Malaysian Muslims save for the pilgrimage to Makkah, and that mismanagement and alleged abuse of funds should not occur. The same principles, he added, applied to funds managed by houses of worship of all faiths and orphanages.
The Sultan also called on leaders to uphold the Federal Constitution, respect Islam’s position as the religion of the Federation and protect the rights of other religious communities to practise their faiths peacefully. - October 25, 2026