JOHOR BARU – Johor mosques and surau will no longer be allowed to spread political propaganda following a prohibition by Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
According to a Malay Mail report today citing Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Council chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, the prohibition is in line with Section 96 of the Islamic Religious Administration Enactment (Johor) 2003.
Speaking to the press, Fared explained that action will be taken against parties that flout the ban.
Adding further, he reminded that activities such as “religious talks, usrah (group discussions), and sharing of religious knowledge” must first receive consent from the Johor Islamic Religious Department.
Meanwhile, speakers delivering lectures and participating in the dissemination of religious knowledge must be accredited by the Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Council.
Fared also pointed out that guidelines pertaining to the prohibition of political propaganda will be posted throughout all 850 mosques and 2,000 surau in Johor.
Maintenance of mosques as a place of worship and an institution for missionary activities were among the reasons cited by Fared behind the order.
“Mosques are a gathering place for Muslims to hold religious ceremonies, meetings and activities related to the unity of the community.
“However, mosques and surau are now being misused by some insensitive parties, (which is evident) when religious programmes are mixed with political elements, causing misunderstanding and division among Muslims,” Fared was quoted as saying.
This is also not the first time the state has faced such a prohibition, as Fared reminded that Johor ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had decreed that the Johor Islamic Religious Council take action against mosque officials who provide a space for politicians to conduct their activities. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023
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