Sultan disapproves use of hearses in a protest

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah has expressed his disapproval over the misuse of hearses managed by mosque committees in the state.

Though there was no mention of names or specific incidents, it wan an obvious response to the protest held outside the state secretariat building in Shah Alam on Feb 14 by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos.

The royal decree was conveyed to the mosque committees via a letter signed by the sultan's private secretary, Munir Bani.

"His Majesty does not approve the misuse of hearses, which should only be used to transport bodies, like being rented out for demonstrations or other uses which have nothing to do with funeral arrangements.

"Such actions will only portray Muslims as if they are making fun of hearses, and this should not happen," reads the letter

As such, the letter called on those who supervise and control hearses in Selangor to take heed and adhere to the sultan's decree on the matter.

During the Feb 14 protest, Jamal, who was dressed as a grave digger, brought 15 hearses and a coffin.

This was to protest against what he claimed were abuses in the state's assistance schemes for senior citizens and funerals.

DAP has called for Jamal to be investigated for abusing the hearses, with PKR claiming that it disrupted Muslim funeral services in the state.

The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) also expressed regret over the use of hearses.- Mkini