IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has accepted Datuk Dr Afifi Al-Akiti's resignation from holding the title of Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan (Orang Besar Delapan) Perak.

       Perak Senate secretary Datuk Seri Ayop Hashim said Dr Afifi (pic) had submitted a letter on Sunday (May 15) seeking Sultan Nazrin's consent to resign from holding the title.

       His letter was subsequently presented to the Sultan for consideration.

       "His Highness expressed his appreciation for all the services provided by Dr Afifi during his tenure as Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan and consented to the application to be enforced (today)," he said in a statement.

       According to the letter attached to the statement, Dr Afifi said, among other things, that the letter was submitted following the spread of certain materials on social media recently aimed at tarnishing his name.

       "I chose not to comment or give any answers that could trigger a debate that will not provide any benefit.

       "The viral posts also appear to question the appropriateness of my role as I was attached to the palace institution and dispute my role (with regard to) Islamic religious affairs.

       "Realising that this matter, if prolonged and not curbed, will mar the image of the Sultan and the palace institution, I submit this letter to convey my sincere desire to resign from holding the title of Orang Kaya Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan,” said Dr Afifi.

       He said the decision was made out of his sense of responsibility and loyalty as a subject of the Sultan.

       Recently, a video clip went viral that was said to show a man, apparently a religious figure and adviser to the Sultan, at a nightclub. – Bernama