KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak has been appointed as the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs’ (MKI) new chairman for a two-year period, from March 9, 2024, until March 8, 2026.
Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the appointment was made during the 265th meeting of the Conference of Rulers after the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj said he did not wish to extend his tenure as MKI chairman.
“Despite the call from the Malay Rulers urging His Royal Highness (Sultan Sharafuddin) to continue his noble and excellent service for another two years, the Selangor Sultan firmly decided to step down so the important role and responsibilities as the MKI chairman could be entrusted to another monarch.
“His Royal Highness submitted that this significant duty and trust should be rotated, symbolising the spirit of shared responsibility among the monarchs as Heads of Islam in their respective states to uphold and preserve Islam as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“The Malay Rulers finally accepted the Selangor Sultan’s reasons and his wish to not be reappointed,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Syed Danial said Sultan Nazrin welcomed the decision of the Rulers and pledged to continue the excellent service of the Selangor Sultan with continuous advice and guidance from his fellow Rulers.
“His Royal Highness also prayed for Divine guidance to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him as the new MKI chairman,” he said.
On March 7, Sultan Sharafuddin said that he did not wish to continue his service as MKI chairman after his term ends on March 9 and would leave it to the Conference of Rulers to choose a new chairman from among the ruling monarchs to ensure a better implementation of MKI’s functions and aspirations.
His Royal Highness began his duties as MKI chairman on March 10, 2022.
Regulation 2(1) of the MKI Regulations 2022 stipulates that the MKI chairman shall be elected by the Conference of Rulers from amongst the state Rulers, and that he shall hold the position for a two-year period, which can be renewed upon the end of his term.
— Bernama
