Selangor Sultan singles out Sivarasa, says he 'crossed the line'

Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today singled out Subang MP R Sivarasa for giving a speech in a mosque, claiming that he had "crossed the line".

"I am saddened by the recent incident at Masjid An-Nur, Kampung Melayu Subang, where Sivarasa had given a speech in the prayer hall, despite my repeated reminders not to allocate mosques to be used for politics, be it by Muslims or non-Muslims.

"I do not allow politicians to speak in mosques as I do not want it to be the cause of Muslim disunity, but my advice was apparently ignored.

"I would like to emphaise, Subang MP Sivarasa - you have crossed the line!" he said during a breaking of fast function at Masjid An Nur Temasya Glenamrie in Shah Alam.

Sivarasa had denied giving a political speech, stating that he was merely at the mosque to provide contributions and had briefly conveyed his Ramadan greetings when invited to speak.

The sultan said he has no problems if Sivarasa wanted to speak for "eight or 10 hours" outside the mosque.

"I have no objections, it is up to the people whether they want to listen or not, but never speak in the mosque or mosque compound," he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin instructed the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department to probe the incident and wants action against the committee after Ramadan if it was found they have breached the rules by allowing Sivarasa to speak.

The ruler said guardians of mosques should be more sensitive to his edict on disallowing politics in mosques.

"I want mosques to be a place for praying, learning about religion and to strengthen ties among Muslims, so that there will not be factionalism," he said.

Sivarasa said earlier today said he was in the midst of writing to the sultan to explain the incident.- Mkini