Avoid 3R issues during polls – S’gor Friday prayer sermon

The Friday prayer sermon delivered in Selangor today reminded the public to refrain from touching on issues relating to religion, race and royalty (3R) during the upcoming state election campaigns.

Specifically, the prepared sermon texts read out in mosques across Selangor reminded congregants against the offence of mocking the royal institution, with a tendency to incite disloyalty against a ruler.

"The mimbar (pulpit) remind Muslims to mind their words, and there will be consequences if one goes too far.

"Throughout the state elections, all candidates and supporters are reminded that the campaign period is not a licence to speak ill, insult, condemn or slander freely," according to the text prepared by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department.

"Remember Allah SWT's laws prevail at all times and there is no reason to permit such actions (against another person)," it said.

The text also cited Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's reminders in his decrees for Muslims to not get lured into vice, particularly during the upcoming state elections.

On Monday, caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed trial to two sedition charges, accusing him of uttering words that had the tendency to incite disloyalty against a ruler.

According to the first charge, Sanusi said the Kedah sultanate was the only one in the country with uninterrupted lineage and the Kedah ruler would not have appointed Amirudin Shari as menteri besar to head the state’s administration.

On the second charge, Sanusi questioned if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had indeed decreed that a unity government be formed after the parliamentary election last November.

Meanwhile, the Friday prayer sermon today also reminded candidates and supporters to not abuse the election period to slander or find fault in others.

"Campaign and deliver speeches with decorum by outlining policies that will be championed to help the people address their problems.

"Candidates must evaluate their capabilities and personal achievements throughout their time serving the people, as well as think of ways to improve the economy and harmony among the people if they are in power," it said.

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