Selangor Sultan BANS family members from Kajang by-election

SHAH ALAM - The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has issued a decree banning members of the Selangor royal families from participating or openly declaring support for any political party in the coming Kajang state by-election.

In a statement, the Sultan said that members of the Selangor royal families are also prevented from alllowing political figures and parties to use their social standing and influence to boost their campaigns in the election.

"It is my wish for the political parties that intend to contest in the Kajang state by-election to not associate the Selangor royalty in their campaigning to win the election," he said.

The decree was issued as a direct response to circulated pictures and articles on social media and blogs where a member of the Selangor royal families was photographed with a political figure said to be contesting in the Kajang state by-election.

The Sultan said that comments made on the pictures and articles were implying the involvement of the royal families in the election campaigns.

"This decree is made to prevent any misunderstanding and perception from the public on the royals standing and alliances when it comes to the state's political scene.

"Our position remains that the royalty is an independent institution with no afiliation to any political party and operated based on the jurisdiction provided by the Selangor Government Laws 1959 and other related laws," he said. - NST