14-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Ahead of the upcoming six state elections, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has found that mosque and surau administrators are taking the ban on politics in places of worship lightly. In a statement on Thursday (Jul 13), JAIS director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said that political publications were still allowed to be distributed in mosques and surau, while political figures were permitted to use the places of worship for political purposes. Mr Shahzihan stated that these actions violated the decision made by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) to maintain mosques and surau as safe zones, free from any element and influence of party politics.
Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan will be holding their state polls concurrently on Aug 12. Mr Shahzihan reminded mosque and surau administrators to enforce the prohibitions set by MAIS, so that places of worship are not used as a political arena or a centre for party political propaganda. Since 2018, the Sultan of Selangor ordered that mosques and surau become places of worship that are peaceful and prosperous and not politicised, he said.
Mr Shahzihan added that during a certificate presentation ceremony to leaders and imams of mosques throughout the state on Mar 2 and Mar 13 this year, the state ruler made reminders about this issue, as well as to politicians during the opening ceremony of the Selangor State Assembly. He warned that those disobeying the orders of the Selangor ruler or the instructions of MAIS may be subject to action under Section 12 (a) or (b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995. Mosque officials may also have their appointment cancelled by MAIS.
Johor, Terengganu, and most recently, Perak have also banned or restricted political activities in mosques and surau. On Mar 7, the state of Perak implemented a ban on politicians from giving talks at mosques and surau. Among those prohibited from teaching and giving talks at mosques and surau include members of parliament, state assemblymen and individuals who hold office in any political party.
On Apr 5, Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah urged Muslims to safeguard mosques from becoming a political arena, stating that “we do not want the institution of the mosque to be a place where we are divided.”
