KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 — The Sultan of Selangor today banned members of the state royal house from getting involved in the Kajang by-election.
In a statement issued by the state palace, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj also warned the royals to not let their names be used to endorse any of the by-election candidates.
“His Highness hopes all parties and politicians to not link the palace in the Kajang by-election campaign,” said the statement.
But the statement did not name any member of the Selangor royal household.
The ban comes as several royals were reportedly pictured in the press as endorsing some of the candidates for the by-election, the palace said.
“This decree is issued to prevent any negative perception from the public of the palace’s involvement in political arena which must not happen and be avoided,” it added.
The sultan also reiterated the palace’s position to stay as an independent and apolitical institution.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced he will run in the Kajang by-election next month, which was vacated by party member Lee Chin Cheh ostensibly to pave the way for the PKR de facto chief to become Selangor mentri besar.
Earlier this month, Anwar warned critics against speculating on the Selangor Royal House’s position on Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s position as mentri besar.
Saying that they were trying to impose their own views on the state Ruler, Anwar added that due respect and “deference” must be accorded to the sultan.
Selangor Umno state liaison chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar had previously suggested that Anwar might not gain the royal assent he needs if the federal opposition leader sets his sights on the Selangor MB’s post.
The Election Commission has set March 23 as the date for the Kajang by-election, giving all parties 12 days to canvass for votes after nomination day on March 11.
