IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, was shocked to learn that some imams had not read out the sermon prepared by the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) recently.
This has prompted the Ruler to order an investigation into the matter, said Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
“While the investigation is being conducted to ensure an objective, accurate, and fair assessment for those involved, the Sultan has decreed that they should be suspended for the time being.
“So, I am waiting for the investigation report from the Perak Islamic Religious Department to be presented to Sultan Nazrin.
“If there is a valid basis, we will submit it, as the appointment of preachers, imams, and accredited religious teachers is the prerogative of the Ruler,” Mohd Annuar told reporters after handing over smart televisions to SK Raja Dihilir Ekram here on Thursday (Feb 20).
He was responding to media reports regarding imams who had refused to read out a sermon titled "Keburukan Fitnah: Pengajaran Dari Peristiwa Al-Ifki”.
Commenting further, Mohd Annuar said that since becoming the president of MAIPk, he had volunteered to review sermon texts, though not in terms of content.
He explained that sermon schedules are prepared every three months, with panels discussing the topics and the timing of their delivery.
“Coincidentally, that particular week marked the beginning of the month of Sha’ban, and there was a issue of slander that had occurred, but the sermon was prepared much earlier (prior to the slander issue)
“Perhaps certain individuals who have engaged in slander in political speeches felt targeted.
“They probably felt as though the sermon was directed at them, leading their group to spread messages on social media urging others not to respect the sermon,” he said, while questioning the professionalism and integrity of the implicated imams who had received their teaching accreditation from the Sultan.
“If they disagreed with the sermon for political reasons, they could have let someone else read it out instead. But in this case, they outright defied orders,” he added.
Recently, it was reported that four imams were suspended, and their allowances withheld after being found guilty of not reading the Friday sermon text prepared by JAIPk.
Deputy JAIPk director Zakaria Abd. Razak stated that the imams were from the districts of Parit Buntar, Teluk Intan, and Kuala Kangsar.
Zakaria added that the department's disciplinary committee is expected to meet at the beginning of Ramadan (expected early March) to decide the fate of the four imams. Ends
