KULIM - Kedah police chief, Datuk Fisol Salleh, has called on religious institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to refrain from turning places of worship into political arenas that disrupt public order, particularly during election periods.
Fisol highlighted the importance of preventing any party from exploiting religious institutions and ensuring the safety and order of the public.
He said mosques and other religious institutions should focus on delivering beneficial talks and refrain from using the platform to spread political agendas.
"We want mosques to stand with us in this prevention effort. While we support religious ceramah (lectures) and activities to promote Islam, we want to avoid mixing them with politics," he stated.
Fisol made these remarks while attending the Community Engagement With Kedah Police Chief Programme held at Kulim Golf & Country Resort earlier today.
He urged all parties to avoid politicising religious and racial differences and to show respect for the institution of the monarchy.
Fisol stressed the need for caution in speech and actions to ensure that the sensitive topics of Religion, Race, and Royalty (3R) are handled carefully.
Fisol explained that everyone is responsible for safeguarding peace and avoiding creating tensions among different communities.
During the pogramme, more than 150 individuals participated in the Community Engagement Program, including mosque imams, temple chairpersons, and NGO representatives.
They had the opportunity to discuss current issues with the authorities, share suggestions to address crime and social problems in the Kulim district and engage directly with the Kedah police chief.