The Star Malaysia

Selangor Sultan has decreed that mosques in the state be free from political activities.

Selangor Ruler: Leaders are not allowed to hold ceramah or deliver speeches

- By MARTIN CARVALHO mart3@thestar.com.my

Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddi­n Idris Shah is deeply concerned that Muslims in the state are becoming increasing­ly divided because of differing political ideologies.

He decreed that mosques in Selangor be an area free from any party political activities.

“All politician­s, especially elected representa­tives, whether state or Parliament, from government or opposition parties, are not allowed to hold ceramah and deliver speeches in mosques as well as surau.

“I want all mosques and surau to be free from any party political activities in order to prevent it being changed from being a platform to unite Muslims to that for disunity because of their different political ideologies,” the Ruler said in his speech before presenting letters of credential­s and appointmen­ts to imams and mosque assistants at Istana Alam Shah yesterday.

A total of 833 imams and 382 mosque assistants were presented their letters of credential­s and appointmen­ts for the period between 2019 and 2021.

Sultan Sharafuddi­n said Muslims must not resort to making accusation­s or spread fake news.

“News or informatio­n received must first be verified and the truth ascertaine­d.

“Don’t become an agent that destroys society by spreading fake news and lies.

“Islam clearly forbids its people from spreading false news and defaming one another,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddi­n also reminded imams, mosque assistants and mosque committees not to invite speakers who were not accredited with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) to speak in mosques or surau.

As for foreign speakers, the Ruler said he decreed on Aug 21, 2015, that only speakers accredited with Mais were allowed to speak in Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Masjid Tengku Ampuan Jemaah in Bukit Jelutong and Masjid Sultan Suleiman in Klang.

He reminded that all mosques must use the sermon text prepared by Mais during the Friday prayers.

Sultan Shafaruddi­n also warned that groups practising deviant teachings and liberalism ideology could pose a threat to the Muslim community and national security.

He said liberal ideology that champions equal rights leading to an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgende­r) culture must be dealt with immediatel­y and effectivel­y to avoid it becoming a trend.

 ?? — Bernama ?? Congratula­tions: Sultan Sharafuddi­n presenting a letter of credential and appointmen­t to the imam of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque during a ceremony in Klang.
— Bernama Congratula­tions: Sultan Sharafuddi­n presenting a letter of credential and appointmen­t to the imam of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque during a ceremony in Klang.

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