Mind your words, don't challenge Malay rulers - Anwar tells Hadi

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has told PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to mind his words and never go against the decisions taken by the Malay rulers.

This is especially in matters concerning the rulers' powers in issues pertaining to Islam, such as barring politicians from delivering sermons in mosques or surau.

"I just want to remind him (Hadi) to not go against the words of the Malay rulers; even when talking about the Federal Constitution, there are ways (to do it).

"[Getting] permission to talk in a masjid applies to all, including the prime minister. If I want to talk in a mosque, I will need permission from the establishment as it falls under the jurisdiction of the state Islamic council and Malay rulers," Anwar told reporters after attending the monthly assembly with the staff of the Finance Ministry in Putrajaya this morning, reported Utusan Malaysia.

The Tambun MP was commenting on the remark by Hadi two days ago that there is nothing wrong with Muslim politicians delivering sermons in mosques or surau, pointing out they have a duty to speak up on various matters including politics.

This is because in Islam, politics and religion are inseparable, said the Perikatan Nasional deputy chairperson, who delivers weekly Friday sermons from Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu.

Hadi was responding to the ban against all politicians including parliamentarians, state assemblypersons, and senators from delivering a lecture or sermon in all mosques and surau across Terengganu.

Perak joins the list

Elaborating, Anwar said it was unfair to turn the prohibition into a political issue.

"If he (Hadi) is unhappy with the matter, he can seek an audience with the rulers. Do not attack the government.

"Although I go to the mosque every Friday, and the mosque management asks me to speak to the congregants, I do not do so as I respect the jurisdiction of the respective state Islamic councils. I just shake hands with the congregants."

The Terengganu ban was enforced beginning March 2, after Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin became upset with some politicians delivering religious lectures or classes, and led Friday prayers without approval.

Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin

Exemptions, however, are given to politicians who have been recognised to teach or those with permission to do so from the council.

Terengganu is not the first state to prohibit politicians from talking in mosques and surau.

In January, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim decreed that all mosques and surau in Johor were prohibited from being used as platforms to deliver political speeches.

Now, Perak has joined the list, with the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) issuing a similar order, prohibiting politicians from participating in teaching or lecturing activities at mosques and surau registered with the council.

According to JAIPk director Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim, the ruling will apply to parliamentarians, assemblypersons, senators, individuals who hold positions in any political party, candidates contesting in general election or by-election, as well as former MPs, assemblypersons, or senators who are still active in politics. - Mkini