‘Right to cut ties with Jakim’

> Activist Siti Kassim lauds move by Sultan of Johor in ‘going against extremists’

PETALING JAYA: Activist Siti Zabedah Kassim yesterday lauded the decision by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, for the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) to cut all ties with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

“We need people in their position to go against extremists. These extremists are not preachers or Islam per se, and there are some who are onesided.

“The recent statement by the Conference of Rulers is also a good start because Islam is headed by the Sultan and he is in charge of running the religious authorities,” she said.

Sultan Ibrahim recently ordered JAIJ to stop dealing with Jakim over comments by Jakim officer Zamihan Mat Zin ( pix), who criticised the Sultan for speaking out against a launderette in Muar that adopted a Muslims-only business policy.

“Zamihan criticised me and undermined the views of the mufti and scholars. The way he said it was also arrogant, as if only he is right.

“If it is true that he is a Jakim officer, then I don’t know where Jakim found him because for me, he is like an empty can and brainless.

“When he was (criticised over) the matter, he denied saying those things,” said Sultan Ibrahim in his speech at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn’s 17th convocation ceremony on Saturday.

The Sultan said those who cannot live harmoniously in society should live in a cave, adding that such overzealous views would make living in a community impossible.

“Banknotes could have been touched by a pork or alcohol seller. Does the government have to make Muslims-only money?” He also reminded all quarters that matters relating to Islam falls under the jurisdiction of the states, as stated in the Federation of Malaysia agreement.

“Do not let the mistake of one individual damage the agreement that has been in force for years,

Last Thursday, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) director Haris Kasim ordered all mosques and surau in the state to suspend lectures by Zamihan.

Zamihan, who is also Malaysia Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah Organisation president, was arrested by police on Oct 11 for investigations under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, but was later released.

Jakim director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha said Jakim and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom will seek an audience with Sultan Ibrahim.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he would also be seeking an audience with the Sultan to discuss the issue.