UMNO Youth has taken PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim to task over their respective statements on the royal institution.

The movement’s leader Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the cynical remark by Abdul Hadi about a recent speech by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah bordered on being uncouth and disrespectful.

He also said Hassan’s comment – that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia had “crossed the line” in the royal address at the opening of the latest Parliament meeting – went against Malay tradition.

“We are always respectful and courteous when voicing our views to the Malay Rulers,” Muhamad Akmal said in a statement on Friday (March 1).

“I am sure the (intentions) of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Sultan were to ensure that harmony, stability and unity are safeguarded and that focus is given to development.

“I am also confident that the Rulers are knowledgeable and wise, and receive the best advice and views on the Constitution and in keeping with their roles as the guardians of Islam,” he added.

Muhamad Akmal said Umno Youth strongly opposed any action or statement that disrespected the royal institution and would not hesitate to reprimand the individuals or parties responsible.

“We also urge the enactment of a law to control any action that is uncouth or tantamount to treason against the royal institution in line with the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he added.