KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 — The federal and state governments must earnestly implement follow-up actions on all resolutions and conclusions put forward by the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), decreed Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah.
His Royal Highness, who is also MKI chairman, decreed that the government, including responsible agencies, must pay close attention to and respect matters concluded by MKI to give meaningful value to the council’s role.
The Sultan emphasised that resolutions reached and endorsed must be valued so MKI is not regarded as a mere forum for discussion and debate while its recommendations are left hanging without follow-up.
Sultan Nazrin decreed that during the two-year period he was entrusted to chair MKI, various matters have been discussed and considered by the council; and these conclusions have been presented to the Conference of Rulers.
“What is more important is the follow-up action on all suggestions and conclusions, so they do not remain written documents destined to be buried under piles of paper,” he decreed.
“When resolutions and conclusions are followed through and implemented earnestly, they will directly benefit the people while projecting a positive image of the government. Beyond that, it enhances respect, understanding, and appreciation for Islam, not only among Muslims, but also among non-Muslims,” His Royal Highness decreed.
Sultan Nazrin was speaking at the 74th MKI meeting opening ceremony here today.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan, his deputy Marhamah Rosli, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
The MKI meeting is the third one chaired by Sultan Nazrin during His Royal Highness’ term from March 10, 2024, to March 9, 2026.
Sultan Nazrin decreed he has strived to fulfill the role and duties entrusted to him with the assistance of MKI members and secretariat, supported by five committees: the National Islamic Affairs Management Committee, the Muzakarah (Discussion) Committee, the National Islamic Legal Committee, the National Islamic Education Coordination Committee, and the National Shariah Judiciary Committee.
His Royal Highness expressed his appreciation to every MKI member, the secretariat, and chairpersons and members of committees who have fulfilled their responsibilities, carried out their respective roles, and presented reports during MKI meetings.
Sultan Nazrin expressed his appreciation to the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for his service during his tenure as an MKI member from December 3, 2022, to December 16, 2025.
“The 74th MKI meeting records its congratulations to Zulkifli and Marhamah on their appointments as minister and deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), and welcomes them both as members attending the MKI meeting,” His Royal Highness decreed.
Meanwhile, the Perak Ruler voiced concern over segments of the Muslim community who appear to have lost their moral compass, and have become trapped in materialism, obsessed with status, and intoxicated by power.
His Royal Highness said material wealth has become a new creed for certain quarters of the ummah, fuelling unhealthy rivalry, ethical breaches, and a loss of humanity, as integrity is sacrificed in the pursuit of material gain.
Sultan Nazrin said integrity is sacrificed in the pursuit of worldly gain, with bribery to secure allegiance and slander to destroy rivals, where humanity appears to regress into a new age of ignorance, enslaved to power other than the divine.
“Positions and power are, in truth, tests of faith and God-consciousness. When positions and power are not accompanied by faith and God-consciousness, they can erode devotion to the Oneness of Allah, shifting obedience away from divine command towards human decree.
“God’s declaration in verses 51 and 52 of Surah An-Nahl must serve as our compass in navigating the vast ocean of life. Reflect deeply, for position and power are at once divine gifts and profound trials,” Sultan Nazrin said.
Sultan Nazrin said Islamic institutions are not immune to negative perceptions when weaknesses in governance or lapses in integrity arise among those entrusted with their leadership.
The Ruler said institutions that embody excellence and integrity are able not only to uplift the ummah, but also correct misconceptions about Islam, strengthen its message, and foster a positive and dignified image of the faith.
Sultan Nazrin stressed that those entrusted with leading Islamic institutions must possess integrity beyond question, think proactively, innovate boldly, work dynamically, and have the courage to cross new frontiers in pursuit of the greater good.
At a time when society is increasingly ensnared by the pursuit of outwardly success, often at the expense of moral integrity, spiritual purity, manners and religious obligations, Sultan Nazrin emphasised that the courage to uphold truth must be instilled from the earliest stages of life.
His Royal Highness stressed that Islam upholds an educational philosophy that prioritises inner strength and balance, nurturing holistic individuals who develop intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically, adding that academic excellence alone is insufficient if it is not guided by a clear moral compass, sound character, proper conduct, faith and piety.
“The pure spirit and noble purpose of education must be revived and given precedence in striving to guide the nation onto the right path, so that it may flourish as a territory fair and happy.
“The members of the MKI, representing diverse constituencies within this consultative council, must unite in word and in deed. Central to this endeavour is a steadfast commitment to the educational agenda of the ummah, with priority given to nurturing and guiding the community towards becoming true Muslims,” said Sultan Nazrin.
