Position of Islam should not be questioned, says Agong

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'azam Shah says at the opening of Parliament today everyone should understand that separation of powers between the three branches of government is in accordance with existing legislations. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, March 9, 2015.The position of Islam as the federal religion should not be questioned, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'azam Shah.

In opening the third session of Parliament, the Agong also said everyone should understand that separation of powers between the three branches of government was in accordance with existing laws.

"We would like to reiterate the position of Islam as the religion of the federation which must be upheld and not to be questioned, while other religions may be practised freely.

"Differences of opinion on religious issues should be referred to the authorities and not polemicised," he said in his royal address this morning.

Tuanku Halim said Malaysia was premised on parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy where the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and sovereignty of the law were upheld.

"All parties should understand that the separation of powers between the executive, the legislative and the judiciary practised in the country is in accordance with exiting laws.

"There is nowhere a better place than this blessed land of ours. Thus, respect and accept one another for the sake of peace and stability."

He said a multiracial country like Malaysia thrived on peace and harmony among its citizens of various races, religions and culture and expressed his unhappiness that there were isolated parties that did not subscribe to such values.

"Therefore, we advise these groups to stop their irresponsible actions, and we hope the authorities continue to take appropriate measures," he said, adding that freedom of speech should be practised responsibly to avoid creating tension among the people.

Malaysia which subscribes to the wasatiyyah or moderation approach, is a small country, but stands tall among other nations, said Tuanku Halim, who pointed out Malaysians are very fortunate to live peacefully.

He said the prime minister has also made the country proud with his pivotal role in formulating the International Maqasid Shariah Index recently.

The Index is aimed at strenghtening Malaysia's commitment towards implementing Islamic tenets based on the principles of maqasid shariah, which include safeguarding religion, life, intellect, property and heritage.

"This will last only if every Malaysian continues to respect one another and work together to maintain stability and harmony.

"Therefore, we urge honourable members to always demonstrate exemplary character by upholding and safeguarding the Federal Constitution. We hope that honourable members will deliberate and debate this royal address in an orderly and respectful manner," he said.

Race and religious relations have frayed further after GE13 last year when the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) blamed its heavier loss on the Chinese minority, fuelled by Malay-Muslim groups seeking more puritanical Islamic laws across Malaysia.

Malay rights groups like Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) had claimed that Malay rights were being threatened, but their often inflammatory statements and actions have been denounced by moderate Malaysians, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup who had said their actions went against the very values that the nation was founded upon.

Critics have also accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of pandering more to conservative views in his party, Umno, so as to remain in power.

Amid worsening race and religious relations in Malaysia, a group of 25 prominent Malays comprising retired high-ranking civil officials had published an open letter asking for a rational dialogue on the position of Islam in a constitutional democracy. – March 9, 2015.