Politicians barred from teaching Islam in Selangor

The Selangor sultan’s decree, effective Jan 1, is to prevent Islam from being used as a political tool, says the Selangor Islamic Council.

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Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is concerned that the teaching of Islam by politicians could lead to slander, friction or division among Muslims. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Politicians will no longer be allowed to teach Islam in Selangor effective Jan 1.

Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said this was decreed by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to prevent Islam from being politicised and used as a political tool, especially in mosques and suraus.

“To protect the sanctity of Islam in Selangor, the Sultan does not grant accreditation to any politician to teach Islam,” he said.

He said this was due to concerns that it could be misused by politicians and lead to slander, friction or division among Muslims.

However, the state executive councillor in charge of the Islamic affairs portfolio in Selangor is given exemption but he or she should not touch on political matters.

Those caught teaching Islam without accreditation can be punished with a fine of up to RM3,000 or a jail term of up to two years or both.

Aziz reminded that the punishment would also apply to those caught insulting, disobeying or questioning the Sultan’s decrees related to Islam as he was also the head of Islam in Selangor.