Tauliah still needed to ensure speakers follow Sunni teachings, says mufti

Selangor mufti Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor mufti has defended the need for religious speakers to have special credentials (tauliah) from state Islamic authorities, saying it was still necessary to avoid confusion.

Mufti Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid said the permission from authorities would also control speakers who use the social media, adding that those without it could face legal action.

“We are not suppressing the speakers but it is better for them to have the special credentials because we are convinced that they subscribe to Sunni teachings and not others,” he told Bernama.

Tamyes also urged Muslims to play a role by reporting any religious lecture from “unauthorised speakers”.

According to Section 119 of the Islamic Religious Administration (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, anyone teaching Islam without the credentials could be fined not exceeding RM3,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

The credentials cover lectures, Fardu Ain and Quran classes.

Meanwhile, former deputy minister in charge of Islamic affairs, Mashitah Ibrahim urged the authorities to monitor religious speakers on social media sites.

She said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should establish a special body for this purpose. - FMT