JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (pic) is dismayed at the ongoing power struggle among political leaders as the rakyat suffers from the devastation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “I am disappointed at leaders disturbing the government and jostling for power at a time when the rakyat is depressed and facing numerous difficulties brought on by the ever menacing Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Ruler.

       “On the occasion of the Maal Hijrah, I call upon all Muslim leaders, especially the Malay leaders in this country, to reflect upon the lessons we are taught, where the power to rule is the will of Allah.

       “Allah gives power to those deserving, and Allah will take power from those undeserving,” said Sultan Ibrahim in a statement on his official Facebook page here yesterday.

       The Ruler added that all leaders must be honourable and trustworthy in discharging their duties.

       His Majesty said leaders must prioritise the needs of the people and the unity of the ummah instead of their own selfish interests.

       “Now is the time for you to jostle to help the rakyat, not the time to be jostling for power and influence,” His Majesty said.

       Meanwhile, Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah called on the people in the state to be helpful to each other and stay united during these challenging times.

       As the country was facing the Covid-19 pandemic, he said it was not the right time to get into a power struggle, quarrel or talk too much without taking any actions that were beneficial to the people.

       “It is time for us to be united, regardless of religion, skin colour and political affiliation, because we must win the war against this invisible enemy,” he said at the state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations held virtually yesterday.

       Tengku Hassanal also called on all parties, including the state government, NGOs and the private sector, to always reach out to people in need.

       “I don’t want any of my people to be hungry because they don’t have food and basic necessities to continue living. A basket of food worth about RM100 may be small for us but for the needy, it is very valuable,” he added.

       Tengku Hassanal also advised the people to always be concerned about their neighbours and lend a helping hand to those in need.

       At the ceremony, which was also attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, former Pahang chief kadi the late Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Mohammad Benyahya was posthumously conferred the State Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1443H/2021 award.

       Tengku Hassanal handed over the award comprising RM10,000, a trophy, plaque and a certificate of appreciation to Syed Abdul Rahman’s sons Syed Mohd, 71, and Syed Akil, 59.

       In Kota Kinabalu, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin called on all Muslims to self-reflect, seek repentance from Allah and appreciate the teachings of Islam amid the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic.

       “It is important for us to always comply with Allah’s command and move away from what He forbids,” he said at the virtual state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations.

       Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor and State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

       At the event, former United Sabah Islamic Association deputy president Tan Sri Ampong Puyon was chosen as the State Tokoh Maal Hijrah Award recipient.

       He received the award together with RM25,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

       Ampong, 82, through a video conference, expressed his gratitude for the award and advised all Muslims to always foster good relationships with others regardless of their background.