PETALING JAYA • Beleaguered Malaysian preacher Zamihan Mat Zin yesterday said he had no intention of insulting any royal institution and that he abided by the Selangor palace's decision to strip him of his teaching credentials.

Mr Zamihan, who was on Monday barred from giving lectures in Selangor, also apologised to the state's ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, for any offensive remarks he made .

"Indeed, as a commoner, I have no intention of insulting royal institutions as I am just carrying out my responsibility in spreading the teachings of Islam.

"I respect the decision made by the Sultan as His Highness has all the right to have a final say as a leader," he said in a statement.

Mr Zamihan, who is president of Muslim organisation Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, said if his services were no longer needed in the state, he would still serve in other places deemed suitable. "The struggle of Islamic preaching never stops," he said.

The preacher had his teaching credentials revoked after he allegedly criticised the Johor ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, for saying Muslim-only launderettes are not allowed in the state.

Mr Zamihan, who is being investigated for sedition, had also said Chinese people were unhygienic and should patronise "normal" launderettes.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK