PETALING JAYA: Politicians have been barred from delivering religious lectures or ceramahs in mosques and suraus in Terengganu, the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam) has announced.
In a statement, Maidam said Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was upset that some politicians had given religious lectures or classes, and led Friday prayers without the council’s approval.
“All state assemblymen, MPs, and senators are not allowed to deliver any religious ceramahs, lectures, or teachings in mosques and suraus in Terengganu.
“All state assemblymen, MPs, and senators are also not allowed to lead Friday prayers in mosques,” it said.
The council added that political leaders and activists are not allowed to deliver religious ceramahs or lectures, without its permission.
“The committee of all mosques and suraus must ensure that speakers, lecturers and teachers, as well as imams leading Friday prayers, have the necessary accreditation issued by Maidam.
“All religious programmes organised by government agencies and NGOs, held in public areas or government buildings, must involve speakers, lecturers or panel members accredited by Maidam.
“The Terengganu religious affairs department (JHEAT) will monitor such activities to ensure these instructions are complied with,” it said.
Maidam said mosques were important and honourable religious institutions to Muslims and a symbol of the unity of the ummah.
It maintained that mosques and suraus should never be abused to create anxiety, restlessness or discord among the community.
“This includes using mosques and suraus for any activity or programme that is mixed with political elements,” it said.
In January, Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim announced that all mosques and suraus in Johor were prohibited from being used for political speeches.
Tunku Ismail, who is also Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) chairman, also forbade any individual or politician from using mosques and suraus as a place to discuss political issues.
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