Don't use religion for political gain, king tells community leaders
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said Islam should serve as the foundation, including for national governance. (Bernama pic) Kuala Lumpur: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today issued a stern reminder to community leaders not to use Islam as a political tool for personal interests. Sultan Ibrahim said Islam should instead serve as the foundation, including for national governance, based on values, justice and compassion, in line with the principles of shariah, which he said encompass all aspects of life. 'I would like to remind community leaders not to politicise Islam for personal gain. Instead, they should Islamise politics for the good of the nation. 'Islam is a complete and perfect religion that covers every aspect of life. Therefore, no party should exploit religion for their political interests, spread slander, or incite hatred, which in the end will divide society,' he said. Sultan Ibrahim said this in his address at the national-level Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here. Sultan Ibrahim also said that platforms for dakwah (Islamic preaching) and religious teaching should not be used to promote political agendas, but should remain spaces to strengthen unity and cohesion among the ummah. He said all parties must respect the Federal Constitution and not spark hostility in the name of race or religion, which could jeopardise national peace. 'The strong unity we enjoy in this country stems from the Federal Constitution, which outlines the values of togetherness, power equity, responsibility, and consensus. 'Let us together safeguard the sanctity of Islam and foster harmonious unity among the ummah, for Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace,' Sultan Ibrahim said. He also said that the administration of the country must be guided by Islamic shariah, and not be influenced by secular or liberal ideologies. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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