The Selangor sultan today barred any members of the Selangor royal family from participating in any political event related to the Kajang by-election.

According to a statement issued by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's private secretary Muhammad Munir Bani on behalf of the Selangor palace today, the sultan decreed that politicians should "not involve the palace in the by-election".

"This decree is released to avoid any negative perception about the involvement of the palace in the political arena, which should not happen and should be avoided," the read the statement.

The statement stated that the decree was made after there were "news reports" showing some party leaders pictured with members of the Selangor royal family with comments that insinuate the royal members' involvement in the by-election campaign.

"The Sultan stresses that the palace would remain an independent institution which is not aligned to any political parties," read the statement.

The Kajang by-election, which will be contested by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, would take place on March 23.

It is largely expected that a win for Anwar would trigger a move for the Permatang Pauh MP to become the new Selangor menteri besar replacing Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Both Khalid and Anwar have acknowledged that the palace could play a crucial role in determining any leadership change in the state.