28/06/2025

SATURDAY | JUNE 28, 2025

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Call to strengthen religious institutions SEREMBAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has ordered that efforts to strengthen religious institutions and enhance the efficiency of Islamic administrative law enforcement in the state be prioritised. He said religious issues must be referred to religious authorities, and should not be interpreted by individuals or groups, as doing so could lead to confusion, tension and conflict within society. “I fully support all initiatives aimed at upholding the sovereignty of Islam. “I believe the menteri besar and the state administrative machinery will carry out their responsibilities with determination and dedication to ensure that the agenda of unity among the people of this state is effectively implemented.” His Royal Highness was speaking at the state level Maal Hijrah 1447 celebration at Masjid Negeri on Thursday. The Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud and their sons Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin were also in attendance. Tuanku Muhriz said while Islam holds a special position in the country, its sanctity must be upheld without compromising the rights and fairness of the practice of other religions. He said just as the Hijrah marked the exaltation of Islam’s dignity and civilisation, society too must embark on its form of migration by striving to improve moral character, sincerity and diligence in daily life, following Islamic teachings. “In essence, Hijrah begins within each individual. A renewal of attitude grounded in noble and virtuous values is the foundation for building a more dignified society and a more excellent nation. This emphasis must also begin at home, through religious upbringing, love and the exemplary conduct of parents.” – Bernama Steps taken to stem bogus haj operators KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. “I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,” he said at the 2025 Ma’al Hijrah celebration yesterday. “The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.” He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. “TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah , the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that’s not a problem.” He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj . “I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

King: Don’t exploit Islam for personal, political gain

o ‘Govt administration must follow syariah principles, not be driven by secular or liberal ideologies’

Prophet’s Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, where he successfully united the city’s diverse communities consisting of various tribes and religions. “Therefore, I call upon all Muslims to understand our responsibility to build a civilisation based on Islamic values and not focus on physical development alone. “The Hijrah also witnessed how unity among various tribes and religious groups was achieved through a written agreement known as the Constitution of Medina.” He said Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi religious society has also achieved unity through the Federal Constitution, which outlines shared values such as justice, authority, responsibility and consensus. “Therefore, all parties must respect the Constitution and avoid inciting hostility in the name of race or religion that could threaten national peace.” This year’s International Ma’al Hijrah Personality Award was presented to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah. Datuk Nooh Gadot, the religious adviser to Sultan Iskandar and former Johor mufti, was named the recipient of the 2025 National Ma’al Hijrah Personality Award. Over 8,000 people attended the celebration.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. “I have always emphasised that Islamic preaching platforms and religious teaching arenas should never be used to advance political agendas. “Let us protect the sanctity of Islam and build a harmonious unity of the ummah , for Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace.” He said Prophet Muhammad had never used Islam for personal benefit or to oppress anyone. “We must also make Islam a true way of life through the practice of good manners and noble character, not merely through outward appearances or attire that looks Islamic on the surface. “I also urge members of the administration and national leadership to emulate the traits of Prophet Muhammad, who was wise, just and never oppressed the weak.” Sultan Ibrahim pointed out that Prophet Muhammad had provided a true model of Islamic governance, citing the example of the

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded community leaders not to exploit Islam for personal or political interests. “This means that government administration must follow the principles of Islamic law ( syariah ), and not be driven by secular or liberal ideologies. “Islam is a complete and perfect religion that encompasses all aspects of life. Thus, no one should exploit religion for political party interests or spread slander and hatred that could divide society.” He was speaking at this year’s national level Ma’al Hijrah celebration, themed Membangun Ummah Madani , held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Royal duo to compete in gruelling GT3 race in Belgium KUALA LUMPUR: The Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and the Tunku Putera of Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim will take part in the 24 hours of Spa-Francorchamps race in Belgium this weekend. around the globe in this gruelling endurance showdown. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar will share driving duties with Alexander Sims and Jordan Love. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar all geared for the race in Belgium. – PIC COURTESY OF THE ROYAL JOHOR FACEBOOK PAGE

“It’s positive that things have gone this well so far, but this is just the beginning. “There are a lot of strong teams and cars,”he said in a post on The Royal Johor Facebook page. His younger brother, Tunku Abu Bakar, described their participation this time as an opportunity for the team to polish Malaysia’s motorsports talent. Fans can watch the Spa-Francorchamps race on YouTube. – Bernama

Tunku Abdul Rahman said their main focus in one of the most prestigious GT3 races this season is to first finish the race before targeting a win. “We still have a long way to go as a team, and we want to be the best one out there.

The royal duo, the sons of His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, are representing Johor Motorsports Racing, and will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R as they battle against 75 elite GT3 machines from