Selangor sultan orders Islamic teaching credentials for political activists revoked

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed that the credentials to teach Islam in the state given to political activists be revoked effective Dec 31.

Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said in line with the sultan’s decree, the Mais credentials committee would review and revoke Islamic teaching credentials given to any political activist in the state.

However, Aziz said the state executive councillor in charge of Islamic affairs can still deliver Islamic teachings provided that he does not touch on political matters.

He said the sultan had decreed that Islam must not be used as a political tool by any party in the state, especially in suraus and mosques.

“To protect the sanctity of Islam in Selangor, the sultan does not consent to accrediting political activists to teach Islam because it is feared that it could be misused for the benefit of political parties which would eventually lead to slander, discord and division among Muslims,” he said in a statement today.

Aziz said teaching Islam without credentials issued under Section 118 of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 was an offence under Section 119 of the same enactment.

“If convicted, the person can be fined RM3,000 or jailed two years or both,” he said.

Any person who acts in contempt of the lawful authority, or defies, disobeys or disputes the lawful orders of directions of the sultan in his capacity as the head of the religion of Islam is committing an offence under Section 12(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 and will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3,000, imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both.