SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) has temporarily suspended the religious teaching credentials of five candidates contesting in the Negri Sembilan state election, along with three other credential holders.
The suspension, which took effect on July 18, will remain in force throughout the state election period until further notice.
The directive was contained in a letter dated July 20 from JHEAINS director Datuk Mohd Asri Abdullah to mosque and surau committees across the state.
In the letter, Mohd Asri said the Negri Sembilan Mufti Department temporarily suspended all religious teaching activities and lectures conducted by credential holders who are politicians or candidates in the state election.
Asri said the temporary suspension is intended to preserve the sanctity of religious institutions, maintain community harmony and prevent mosques, surau and other religious teaching premises from being used in ways that could create the perception of favouring any party or candidate.
The five candidates listed in the letter are political secretary to caretaker Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar, Nor Azman Mohamad (PH-Sikamat); Serting incumbent candidate Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa (Perikatan Nasional), caretaker Mentri Besar’s press secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah (Pakatan-Paroi), Bagan Pinang incumbent Abdul Fatah Zakaria (Perikatan) and Mohd Umry Abdul Khois (Pakatan-Pertang).
The three other credential holders affected are Senator Jufitri Joha, Datuk Jaafar Muhammad and Muhammad Aqil Irfan Razali.
