Sultan Sharafuddin Idris ShahSHAH ALAM, Aug 8 (Bernama) — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah advised all quarters at the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) to avoid involvement in the political agenda of any party.
Sultan Sharafuddin wants both Islamic institutions to remain neutral and focus on upholding Islam in Selangor.
“Currently, there are politicians who want to take advantage by using issues related to Islam and question the action of religious institutions such as MAIS and JAIS as their political agenda.
“I don’t want such things to happen in Selangor,” he said in a ceremony with JAIS staff at the Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, here today.
The Sultan of Selangor said he realises that MAIS and JAIS have gone through challenges and baseless allegations, but the challenge to preserve and protect Islam is big.
This is because today’s generation is often exposed to false news and information which can deviate the faith of Muslims, he said.
Therefore, he said each employee of MAIS and JAIS need to play a role to maintain the credibility of these Islamic institutions.
“JAIS’ main task and function is enforcement, so it needs to ensure that enforcement on issues relating to Islam in Selangor is done well and according to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
“Enforcement carried out must be done with care, fairness and according to procedures and laws set,” said the Sultan.
Sultan Sharafuddin said JAIS needs to have a neat and complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) when carrying out enforcement, and needs to avoid acting violent or going overboard or denying individual rights.
He said the orderly procedure was important to protect JAIS’ good name because there were certain quarters which took advantage by questioning the actions and credibility of JAIS in carrying out its duty.
“When enforcement is done, JAIS needs to bring complete equipment for investigation and raids such as camera, video camera, diary, other equipment and a trustworthy witness, as well as cooperate with the police, RELA and other government agencies.
“At the same time, I want JAIS to be professional, respect other religions and always be prudent in their actions,” he added.
The Sultan of Selangor also advised JAIS to act within their job scope which covers offences on Islamic issues, without disturbing the jurisdiction of local authorities such as enforcement on massage parlors and such.
He said this is to avoid accusations that JAIS acted out of their jurisdiction and focused more on trivial matters when there are bigger issues at hand.
“Therefore I advise JAIS to emphasise more on enforcement of heavier cases such as those involving deviant teachings, apostasy, giving ceramah without credentials and political ceramah at mosques and suraus which can cause division among Muslims,” he said.
— BERNAMA
