SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today reminded election candidates and their supporters in the state polls not to play up racial and religious issues that could shatter the country’s peace and harmony.

He said campaigns should be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner and in accordance with election regulations and the law.

“Candidates and their supporters are reminded not to resort to slander and pitting one party against another during campaigns to avoid creating disunity among the people,” Sultan Sharafuddin said at the Balai Dewan Diraja of Istana Alam Shah in Klang, today.

He said the ceremony to dissolve the state assembly was brought forward to today because he and his consort would be leaving tomorrow to perform the haj.

“Therefore, in exercising the power conferred on me under clause (2) article 70 of the Constitution of Selangor Government 1959 and after discussing with and receiving a request for dissolution of the state assembly from the menteri besar, I have consented to signing the proclamation of dissolution of Selangor state assembly today, and it will be effective June 23,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin hoped that all quarters would pray for Allah to facilitate their pilgrimage and that they would obtain “mabrur” (accepted) haj.

With the consent given by Sultan Sharafuddin, the Selangor assembly will be dissolved just two days before the expiry of its term on June 25.

The first meeting of the Selangor assembly after the 2018 general election was held on June 26, 2018.

Apart from Selangor, five other states, namely Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan, will also hold their elections this year.

Sultan Sharafuddin also said he would leave for London on July 28 for treatment and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate surgery by a team led by Dr Tev Aho.

“I expect to return home on August 15. If health permits, I would come back earlier than scheduled,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin also asked all those present to pray for his health, well-being and recovery. – Bernama, June 19, 2023.