SHAH ALAM, 27 June: The State Government has been urged to take over the power previously given to the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS).

The Member of Parliament for Shah Alam, Khalid Samad, said that the move is important to ensure that all decisions are taken in accordance with the policies of the State Government, which was elected by the people through the elections.

“MAIS should leave the implementation to the executive body of the State Government, through its Religious Executive Councillor, so that the Exco would issue directives with knowledge and wisdom.

“If the implementation is given to executives elected by the people, the approach may be different because the government knows its limits when it comes to dealing with non-Islamic matters,” he said during a press conference at his office this afternoon.

He was responding to an earlier statement with three PAS Members of Parliament, suggesting for the State Government led by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership to make amendments to the enactment which gives executive power to MAIS.

At the same time, Khalid also denied that he wants the jurisdiction of the Sultan of Selangor, as the head if Islam in the state, to be eliminated.

“We want the institution of rulers to be saved, in the interest of the Sultan of Selangor himself.

“I also believe that the Sultan of Selangor definitely wants everything to be done properly, orderly and full of wisdom, in accordance with the true Islam,” he added.

MAIS was established under Section 5 of the Islamic Law Administration Enactment 1952 to advise the Sultan of Selangor on Islamic affairs and Malay customs.

NS