KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic religious authorities are keeping a close tabs on the teachings of 12 movements, says Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said this is part of the ministry’s effort via the national-level Steering Committee on Addressing Deviationist Teachings (Japas) under the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
“Currently, we are closely monitoring the teachings of eight movements. At the same time, we are also investigating the teachings of 12 movements.
“With the re-activation of the steering committee, we are also looking at the other aspects such as rehabilitation and prevention,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time at Dewan Rakyat here on Wednesday (Oct 23).
Zulkifli was replying to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (Barisan Nasional-Jelebu) of whether the government intended to put a stop to the proliferation of active deviant teachings in the country.
He also added that the legal review by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) will be presented to the Conference of Rulers either today or tomorrow.
The review, he said, has been presented to MKI chairman Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, who has given his approval.
“As of today, six states have set their rulings regarding GISB,” he added.
When asked how Al-Arqam followers still continue to follow its teaching despite being banned in 1994, Zulkifli also said it was due to belief in the economic benefit and strength derived from the practices.
“Based on observations by Jakim, the Aurad Muhammadiah order continues to be practised by followers due to several factors including its clandestine practice, making it difficult to detect, as well as the enduring influence of Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad, which remains strong among his followers despite the issuance of a fatwa.
“Factors such as community influence within the group and uncertainty in understanding the fatwa also affect them. Therefore, the teachings exposed to the group contributed to the continued practice of the order.
“Jakim will continue to focus on efforts to strengthen the faith and beliefs of Muslims, including members of GISB, through the cultivation of knowledge, education, and comprehensive and effective faith-strengthening programmes in collaboration with state Islamic religious councils and state Islamic religious department,” he added.
