The sultan of Selangor warned today that he would order stern action to be taken against anyone who attempts to trigger racial animosity and tension in the state.  

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said that as the ruler of Selangor, he would not allow elements to undermine society and religion.

The sultan issued the warning when he opened the As-Salam Mosque in Bukit Sentosa, Hulu Selangor. It comes on the eve of an illegal rally protesting the electoral system planned for in the Kuala Lumpur.

Sultan Sharafuddin called on the people of Selangor to stay away from the rally, which had the possibility of turning into a street demonstration.

"A street demonstration can escalate and get out of control and cause problems for the people. Shops and business premises will have to shut down for fear of the demonstrators damaging their property, the people cannot go about their daily chores, schools will have to close, and Selangor will be in a state of chaos," he said.

The sultan said street demonstrations would jeopardise Selangor's economy, not only by adversely affecting tourism but also instilling fear in foreign investors who wanted to do business in the state.

He said those who wanted to express their dissatisfaction or opinion should make use of the proper channels to avert provocation which could cause tension and undermine public order.

"I believe the people of Selangor are wise enough to differentiate between the good and the bad to ensure that the state continues to develop and the people of all races are able to continue living in peace," he said.

The sultan said he was confident that the police would be able to maintain order and ensure the safety of the people in the state and country.

'Malays united under one religion'

Sultan Sharafuddin also called on the Malays in Selangor to be united and not quarrel among themselves due to their different political affiliations.

"We, the Malays, are united under one religion, Islam," he said.

The sultan said the country achieved independence a long time ago and he believed that the Malays in Selangor would have learned much from the progress achieved thus far.

He reminded them not to be swayed by emotions and get easily influenced by provocations which he said did not benefit anyone.

The sultan thanked his subjects who understood and were sensitive to the efforts taken to maintain peace and harmony in Selangor although he said there were groups which had tried to provoke the people of late.

"Sane human beings do not like arguments, unrest and animosity, what more hatred and suspicion," he said.

On the sanctity of mosques, Sultan Sharafuddin advised all quarters to abide by the regulations and instructions issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council and the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department.

"It is necessary to have in place preventive measures so that mosques remain free of any political affiliation and people with vested interests.

"I do not want to see the Malays fight and kill one another, like what is happening in several other Muslim countries," he said.

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Selangor state secretary Mohd Khusrin Munawi were also present at the event.

- Bernama