Public should be more responsible in sharing info on royal institution - Grand Imam

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) – Malaysians, specifically Muslims, have been reminded to be more responsible in passing on information when they are not sure of its validity, especially concerning the royal institution.

Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Datuk Abd Manaf Mat said the royal institution which should be respected is now challenged by efforts to disrupt it, especially through the social media.

“Of late, there has been many issues which have been brought up but the validity is unclear and baseless, and it could have negative consequences and disturb the wellbeing of the people.

“As Muslims, we should hold fast to the principles of Islam, which require us to be careful of our words and to hold back from writing and saying untruths,” he said in his special sermon for the Friday prayers at the Saidina Umar Al-Khattab Mosque in Bukit Damansara here today.

The sermon titled 'Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong: Basis for Nation’s Stability and Prosperity’ was delivered in conjunction with the celebrations for the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV, Sultan Muhammad V, this Sunday.

The congregation included Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National Unity and Social Wellbeing) Dr Md Farid Md Rafik.

Abd Manaf said Islam requires the people to obey and respect rulers as it was one of the principles of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah which Malaysians abide by.

"The Seri Paduka Baginda is the head of state who is the defender of Islam in the country,” he said, adding that the sovereignty of Islam and country’s development were dependent on the strength of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He added that the divided support of the nation’s leaders strengthened the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Abd Manaf also said the people were grateful for the concern shown by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in upholding Islam, developing the country and helping them live in peace and harmony.

-- BERNAMA