Sultan Orders Perak MB To Reinstate JAIP Director Immediately

Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has ordered Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to reinstate Datuk Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department (JAIP) director immediately.

The Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, acting on orders of the Sultan and in his capacity as Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council chairman, summoned Nizar to his palace here at 11am Friday to convey the order to him.

Nizar, who was at the time chairing the Perak Water Board meeting, gave waiting reporters the slip as he rushed off to the palace to meet Raja Dr Nazrin.

In a statement issued by the palace later, Raja Dr Nazrin told Nizar that all Islamic matters, including those involving religious bodies and agencies, came under the jurisdiction of the Sultan.

"As such, the Mentri Besar is responsible to seek the consent of the Sultan or the Regent, pertaining to issues of appointment, placement and transfer of officers and staff who manage Islamic affairs, what more a person who holds such an important post," he said.

He added that Jamry, as the JAIP director, was also the secretary of the council and his appointment three years ago had received the Sultan's blessing.

Raja Dr Nazrin also said that any action taken without royal consent was considered to be an act of total disregard for himself and the Sultan.

"This working relationship of mutual respect has always been the working culture and convention revered by previous Mentris Besar and the palace. As such, it should be respected at all times," he said.

Raja Dr Nazrin also advised Nizar that in meting out any punishments, he had to ensure that justice was upheld at all times.

"The stability of any government or administration depends on the principle of holding on to fixed rules and procedures. It is our belief that natural justice must always be followed so that no individual would become victim of any act of defamation or oppression by whomever has more power," he said.

Raja Dr Nazrin also said that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be given the right to defend and explain himself so that fair consideration could be accorded to him.

"If Jamry had broke any rule or committed any wrongdoing towards the state government, the matter should be officially forwarded to the Sultan for his perusal. This is so that lawful procedures can be followed before any final decision is made," he said.

When contacted, Jamry confirmed that he had received an SMS informing him of his reinstatement but declined to comment until he received an official letter from the State Secretariat.

State secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim could not be reached for comment. (The Star)

***** The Sultan is absolutely correct in the decision which he has made and in the royal advice that he gave the new MB.

I'm surprised that the Menteri Besar would have gone ahead with the sacking without legal advice. The usual practice would have been to consult the state legal adviser who would have at least apprised him of the need to get royal consent. Anyway it is a good experience for the MB. It's a lesson he won't forget for a long time.