Sultan Ibrahim: ‘This is to avoid the spread of doctrines and deviation from the teachings of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jammaah Islamic faith.’
JOHOR BARU: Religious speakers who wish to conduct talks in Johor or hold any Islam-related activity must receive credentials from the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ), according to Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
The Johor Ruler decreed that only MAINJ-accredited speakers were allowed to hold religious talks anywhere in the state, including mosques and surau.
“This is to avoid the spread of doctrines and deviation from the teachings of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jammaah Islamic faith. This is in line with Section 118(3) of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Johor) 2003 and applies to activities held anywhere in Johor, including mosques and surau,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page yesterday.
He said those found doing so without the right credentials could face action under Section 119(1) of the Enactment and Section 11 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997, which calls for a maximum fine of RM5,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
“Any party or event organiser who wishes to conduct such activities must also do the same or face stern action,” said His Majesty, who also urged all Muslims to obey the law to ensure no deviation from the Islamic faith.
On Jan 17, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim said politicians from all parties were barred from using mosques and surau in the state as a platform for political mileage.
State Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said Tunku Ismail, as MAINJ chairman, strictly forbade any individual or politician from using such places as a place to discuss political affairs.
The exco member said besides being a place for prayer, mosques were also a place for the development of faith and the spread of knowledge through lectures or religious talks by certified lecturers or speakers.
