IPOH: A police report has been lodged over a viral video clip which purportedly shows a brief speech made by the Sultan of Perak in support of PAS, says Istana Kinta.
Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said the report was lodged on July 29 to protect the good name of the Sultan from being dragged and besmirched by any parties for political gain.
“The way the video clip was spread has directly and indirectly linked the position of a Ruler for political purposes.
“It is believed that there are some who chose the speech made by the Sultan in 2013 and made it viral to influence the people to support PAS during the elections in the six states on Aug 12,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“Through this statement, it must be stressed that the Sultan does not side with or openly support any political groups.
“The video is not ethical and such an act can be described as rude towards the Ruler and besmirching the name of the throne. Therefore, the circulation of the video must be stopped,” he added.
The video clip is believed to have been uploaded on the Dewan Muslimat PAS Melaka Facebook page on Nov 11, 2022.
A woman, believed to be a leader from the party, took an excerpt from Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah’s speech delivered 10 years ago, which referred to PAS.
Mohd Zahidi said the excerpt of the Sultan’s speech was delivered during an “Ummah Unity Discourse” event that was held by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka on Feb 19, 2013.
He said in the speech that was delivered by the Ruler during the event, Sultan Nazrin gave an analysis of the two largest Malay parties in the country, Umno and PAS, which were the two dominant parties then.
“The Sultan not only said positive things about PAS then but also the same about Umno.
“The part which praised PAS was only a short excerpt, the same with Umno. Therefore, it does not arise (that) the Ruler only had good views on the Islamist party,” he said.
“The Sultan’s speech also described the histories of both parties and for the sake of the country, that it is important for the people to find a way to have understanding and cooperation, despite having different political views.
“The Sultan had given a balanced review on the two parties and reminded them not to be overzealous in getting political support and power while dividing the people and destroying the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Perak police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the police have so far received 20 reports against the woman who is believed to be connected to the issue.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the investigations will be conducted by Bukit Aman.
