No politicians as mosque officials, Selangor ruler warns

 

All mosques and surau in Selangor must be free from political influences and the grip of partisan politics, Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed.

Sultan Sharafuddin said this includes ensuring that politicians don’t become mosque officials.

“I will not at all permit politicians who attempt to cloak themselves behind religious talks and use surau and mosques for their own political agendas.

“I also do not wish to hear of any mosque or nazirs (mosque officials) or committee members being directly involved in partisan politics.

“This includes holding any political position while at the same time appointed as a nazir or imam of a mosque or surau, as this can jeopardise harmony among the local congregation,” the ruler decreed during his royal address at the Balairong Seri, Istana Shah Alam, today.

His Royal Highness was speaking at the presentation of the instrument of appointment to 850 nazirs and imams of mosques throughout Selangor for the 2026–2030 term.

No power struggles, please

In the same address, the sultan also warned that he would not entertain any power struggles or disputes over positions in mosques.

“I do not want the Malays to be divided merely because of an obsession with positions and a lust for power, which will ultimately harm the Malay community itself,” he said.

He also spoke out against the misappropriation of mosque funds, saying such actions reflect negatively on Muslims and Islam.

“I do not want Islam to be viewed negatively by followers of other religions. Enough is enough, do not let the sanctity of Islam be tainted by stories of misconduct involving Malay Muslims, some of whom have already been dragged to court due to corruption, misappropriation of funds and abuse of power,” he said.

The monarch also warned mosque officials against spreading fake news and slander.

He said they must be diligent in fact-checking, reminding them that slander is a sin graver than killing.

“Know that I am always following developments and am aware of what is happening in mosques and surau in this state, and I will not hesitate to take firm action if necessary,” His Royal Highness added. - Mkini