Mais detects four Shiite hotspots

The Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais) has identified four hotspots in the state where it says the Shiite teaching is being spread, with its activities openly organised.

The practices being taught in Ampang, Gombak, Klang and Puchong and this has to be stopped as it would corrupt and divide Muslims into factions, as well as disrupt peace in the country, Mais chairperson Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa said.

"The Sultan of Selangor has asked the authorities and Muslims to take this issue seriously to stem the flow of Shiite teachings," Mohamad Adzib said in a press statement yesterday.

He said Mais would not tolerate any further developments related to Shiite teachings in Selangor, especially those who follow the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah school of thought.

Mohamad Adzib said Mais would take several steps to curb the spread of Shiite teachings, including imposing Syariah criminal laws on those who act outside the 1998 Islamic fatwa, an edict that banned all schools of Shiite teachings in Malaysia.

Agencies such as Mais and the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) would also intensify efforts to explain the "dangers" of Shiite teachings through religious offices, mosque committees and mosques.

Other measures include working with religious figures and Muslim NGOs.

Mohamad Adzib urged all Muslims, especially those in Selangor, to heed the sultan's message on the dangers of Shiite teachings and to lodge a report on any element of such teachings to Mais, Jais, district religious officers or any related officers.