Selangor Sultan: Keep politics out of mosques and surau

KLANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (pic) is worried that Muslims in Selangor are becoming increasingly divided because of differing political ideology.

"I decree that the institution of the mosque to be an area free from any party political activities.

"All politicians, particularly state assemblymen and Members of Parliament – either from the ruling party or opposition – are not allowed to campaign or speak in any mosques or surau," he said.

He said that mosques, which should unify Muslims, should not become zones that cause disunity due to political differences.

Sultan Sharafuddin also said that 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," he added.

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

As for foreign speakers, Sultan Sharafuddin said he had previously 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 Bukit in Jelutong and Masjid Sultan Suleiman in Klang.

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

He said this in his speech before presenting letters of credentials and appointments to imams and mosque assistants in a ceremony held at Istana Alam Shah on Sunday (March 3).

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