Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin urged the authorities not to restrict independent preachers who have openly expressed their support for the party from speaking in mosques and on television.
Muhyiddin (above) said since the election has ended, it is appropriate that no preacher, regardless of their political views, should be blocked from delivering a sermon.
"I know many influential parties, including independent preachers and famous artistes, who openly supported PN during the last GE15.
"There are also those who express open support for other parties including Pakatan Harapan and BN. This is their right in a democratic country.
"After the general election is over, it is best that no action be taken against any party that expresses open support for any political party. Only then can it be said that elections in our country are conducted in a free, fair and competitive manner," he said in a Facebook post last night.
Previously, popular preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah claimed to have been blocked from appearing on television for the show Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam broadcast on TV1.
Ridhuan, when contacted by Malaysiakini on Dec 14, confirmed that he was hired by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).
However, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil denied that he issued an order to block the prominent preacher.
Muhyiddin also requested that the authorities not take action against mosque committee members who have different political views.
This is because the election of a mosque's committee was made democratically by parishioners and should not be politicised by denying Muslim congregations manage their own mosque.
He said that the authorities who administer Islamic affairs should not restrict the spread and teaching of Islam based on the beliefs of ahli sunnah wal jamaah to the point of denying Muslims from gaining knowledge in places where Muslims congregate.
"I also saw a video that went viral regarding the committee members of several mosques in Penang who resigned because they claimed there was interference from the state government regarding their position elected by parishioners.
"I hope the authorities do not take action against the preachers and mosque committees simply because of differing political views," he said. - Mkini
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