IPOH: The Perak State Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) has been instructed to clarify an issue related to a recent study visit conducted at a non-Islamic house of worship.
In a statement issued by the Perak Mentri Besar's office, it said Perak's Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah had decreed for the clarification to be made to rectify any confusion and misunderstanding caused.
"A special meeting was called on Friday (Aug 2) between the state government and the state Mufti Department, JAIPk and Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) to discuss the matter.
"The things that were discussed have also been presented to the Sultan for his advice," it said.
"To resolve the matter, it was decreed that JAIPk clarify the issue to rectify the confusion and misunderstanding caused, including a statement to be issued by a participant of the visit," it added.
The Mentri Besar's office also said that JAIPk has been instructed to review its modules to prevent allegations and misunderstanding that could affect its credibility.
"JAIPk has also been asked to get views from the state Mufti Department before organising another similar programme in the future, apart from using a more appropriate module, methods or approach," it said, adding that the office was concerned about the polemic that was raised after the video clip went viral.
The Mentri Besar's office also said that all parties, especially heads of departments, would need to learn from this issue to be careful, while ensuring no statements would be made on social media without monitoring, especially when it touches on religious sensitivity.
"The state government also called for all parties to remain calm and not issue any statements that could cause anxiety and tension among the Muslim community and the people of other races."
A video clip, which showed the visit to the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillay, Kuala Lumpur, had gone viral and drawn backlash online.
Meanwhile, Perak Umno, in a separate statement, expressed its disappointment over the controversy that was caused.
"Despite JAIPk's intention to educate participants on Islamic preaching, the approach used had caused confusion and anxiety among Muslims.
"Perak Umno urges for the course's module to be reviewed to prevent slander and misconception, which could affect JAIPk's credibility in looking after the affairs and interests of the Muslim community," it said in a statement.
