INSULTING THE SULTAN AS HEAD OF THE RELIGION OF ISLAM

To say that the Ruler of the State does not have the rights over the transfer of the State Director of Islamic Affairs is insulting, not only the Sultan of Perak, but all the other Sultans . For the Menteri Besar of the State, to transfer within 24 hours, the State Director of Islamic Affairs without the Sultan's consent or even the curtsy of informing His Highness, is downright rude and unbecoming of one who hold the post. Isn't the Sultan the Head of the religion of Islam in the state? The Ruler's function in this matter is of the higest importance that he is still responsible for the Islamic affairs in his state even after being appointed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

Article 34 of the Constitution reads: "(1) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall not excercise his functions as Ruler of his State except those of Head of the religion of Islam."

As Head of the religion of Islam, His Highness is responsible to see that the officer responsible for the Islamic Affairs in the State is capable of executing his duties and responsibilities, as in the end it will affect the Ruler, if anything is to go wrong. The MB may want someone whom he can trust to work with but that does means he can sideline or overrule the Sultan. This matter should be look upon, not just from the right of law, but also from the adab point of view. Being Asians, we cannot just overlook the peradaban when confronting matters that concern the Ruler. MBs should remember it is the Ruler of the State who is the Head of the religion of Islam in the State. And he, being an MB, is responsible to the Sultan in the matters of the religion of Islam. If the Sultan cannot trust and work with the MB, then maybe it's better to change the MB in 24 hours!