Nazri Says Perak MB Does Not Understand The Constitution

KUALA KANGSAR, May 3 (Bernama)

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was "still raw" and did not understand the constitution when he ordered the immediate transfer of Perak Islamic Religious Department (Jaip) director, Datuk Jamry Sury.

Nazri said Mohammad Nizar was still new in his position and did not understand the powers and customs that made the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, the head of Islam in the state.

"Maybe because he is new, he doesn't understand the customs. What was done and commanded by the Sultan of Perak was apt and correct," Nazri told reporters after closing a cervical and breast cancer prevention programme at the Sauk Health Clinic here Saturday.

He was asked to comment on Nizar's action in immediately tranferring Jamry last Tuesday without seeking the consent of Sultan Azlan Shah.

"Jamry should have been told to show cause and given the opportunity to defend himself," he said. On Tuesday, Jamry was immediately transferred to the state secretariat on grounds that he did not cooperate with the Pakatan Rakyat government.

Jamry, who held the post for three years since 2004, was said to have not been given an opportunity to give an explanation.

Mohammad Nizar had said that the immediate transfer was a normal process for state employees.

Yesterday, Sultan Azlan Shah ordered Nizar to reinstate Jamry.

The Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, acting on orders from the Sultan, summoned Mohammad Nizar to the palace here at 11am yesterday to convey the order.

In a statement issued by the palace later, Raja Nazrin told Mohammad Nizar that all Islamic matters came under the jurisdiction of the Sultan and that the menteri besar was responsible to seek the consent of the Sultan or the Regent on issues of appointment, placement and transfer of officers and staff who manage Islamic affairs.