SHAH ALAM, April 26 — Several state government leaders have condemned the defamatory post against the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al Haj on Facebook, which went viral earlier today, describing it as uncivilised and disrespectful.
State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said the image of a pig dressed in royal attire, and equating it with His Royal Highness, is contrary to the norms and decorum expected of Malaysians.
"Doing so is also an act that could incite discord in a multi-ethnic nation. I urge the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take immediate action so that the perpetrator can be brought to justice and face appropriate punishment in accordance with the laws of our country," he said in a statement.
Ng also called on the public to refrain from making statements or depictions that insult or demean any party, as this could undermine unity and harmony among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, the state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah expressed regret and anger over the circulation of screenshots of the defamatory post insulting the Sultan.
"Such actions are extreme, uncivilised, and wholly unacceptable in a nation founded upon the Constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara.
"This is not merely an issue of sensitivity, but a serious affront to the institution of the Malay Rulers, which serves as a pillar of the nation’s stability and harmony. Any parties involved must not be shielded, regardless of their background or the reasons given," he said in a statement.
Borhan urged both PDRM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act swiftly, without hesitation or allowing any justification that could dilute the enforcement of the law.
"The public is watching and expects justice to be carried out impartially. Freedom of expression is not a licence to insult, especially when it involves institutions upheld by the (Federal) Constitution and respected by the people.
"I urge all Malaysians to continue upholding proper conduct, respect national institutions, and refrain from spreading content that could incite tension and undermine social harmony," he said.
Similarly, the state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah censured the post for being insulting and falsely associated with Sultan Sharafuddin.
"Indeed, His Royal Highness has always been the protector of the state, the guardian of the sanctity of Islam, and a symbol of unity and stability for the people of Selangor. Therefore, any attempt to tarnish the good name of the royal institution is deeply regrettable and wholly unacceptable.
"Such actions are clearly uncivilised, violate societal norms, and run contrary to the high regard and respect accorded to the royal institution. Not only do they undermine dignity, but the use of fake social media accounts is also a cowardly act that could incite tension among people of different races and religions," he said in a statement.
Echoing Ng and Borhan, Fahmi called upon PDRM to conduct immediate investigations and take firm action against any parties involved, in accordance with Malaysian laws.
"At the same time, the MCMC must act swiftly to monitor, restrict, and remove such offensive content in line with existing legal provisions. The role of the Communications Ministry is also crucial in ensuring a safe, ethical, and responsible social media ecosystem, including intensifying public awareness efforts on prudent media usage.
"In the context of our multiracial and plural society, any action that could disrupt harmony and unity must be firmly rejected. We all share the responsibility of preserving intercommunal relations and ensuring that peace within the state continues to be safeguarded," he said.
Fahmi also reminded the public to collectively uphold the dignity of the royal institution with a strong sense of responsibility.
"Social media must not be used to spread content that is insulting, defamatory, or provocative. May Allah SWT continue to protect His Royal Highness and the state of Selangor under His wise and just reign," he said.
The post, which began to go viral in the afternoon, has been denied by Mandarin-language news portal Oriental Daily News, which said that it had nothing to do with the post and that irresponsible parties had used its company logo.
It noted that the Facebook page 'Huayan The Pureland Learning Center', which allegedly uploaded the defamatory post, is no longer accessible, and that the original post can no longer be found.
“Only screenshots that have been shared can be seen. We wish to emphasise that the content has absolutely no connection with Oriental Daily,” the outlet said on its website, adding that it has also lodged a report with the MCMC for further action.
