ROYAL SLAP FOR NAJIB: JOHOR SULTAN ORDERS JAIJ TO STOP DEALING WITH JAKIM, CALLS ZAMIHAN A ‘LYING USTAZ’ WITH NO BRAINS

BATU PAHAT: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has described Zamihan Mat Zin as an empty vessel, adding that he will direct the state Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) to stop dealing with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) over the Muslim preacher’s remarks.

Zamihan, who is said to be a former Jakim officer, had criticised Sultan Ibrahim over the case of a Muslim-only laundrette in Muar.

“I take him as an empty vessel without brains,” His Majesty said in his speech at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s (UTHM) 17th convocation ceremony on Saturday (Oct 14).

The Sultan said that a number of muftis and religious experts had given their views on the matter but unfortunately, Zamihan had criticised his actions and chided the muftis.

The Johor Ruler also labelled Zamihan a liar for trying to deny his actions after being lambasted by the public.

“Looks like the ustaz is good at lying. How are we to learn from him then? After this, just preach in front of a mirror to learn about yourself,” said the Sultan.

“If he is truly a Jakim preacher, I have no idea where they picked him from and after this I will direct JAIJ not to waste their time with Jakim,” he added.

A video clip which has gone viral online depicts Zamihan allegedly saying it was wrong of Sultan Ibrahim to prohibit the Muslim-only laundrette from operating in the state.

In the same video, Zamihan labelled Chinese people as being “unhygienic”.

This came after the Johor Sultan said he was unhappy with the launderette operating in the state.

The launderette owner later apologised and opened his door to all customers.

On Sept 28, the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullai, visited a similar launderette in Kangar with his mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin to tell its owner why his business model was not acceptable.

The 36-year-old owner then opened his outlet to all customers.

In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 11), Zamihan said he never mentioned the Johor Sultan, nor did he use abusive or seditious words.

The preacher was remanded for two days from Thursday (Oct 12) in connection with sedition investigations over his speech.

ANN