Maidam bans programmes with political elements in mosques, surau

KUALA TERENGGANU - The Terengganu Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM) today issued an order prohibiting religious lectures, talks and political activities by politicians, in all mosques and surau statewide.

Its president Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said the ban included all state assemblymen, members of Parliament (MPs) and members of Dewan Negara.

He said that to uphold the sanctity of the mosques and surau, which are also a symbol of the unification of Muslims, they cannot be misused for political purposes that can cause tension in the community.

"Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin expressed sadness at the involvement of a few politicians, who delivered lectures, talks and religious teachings, as well as acting as preachers and imams for Friday prayers, without MAIDAM's permission.

"His Royal Highness wants the mosques and surau to function well, benefit the local community and not be contaminated by political elements,” he said in a statement today.

In addition to the ban on lectures, talks and political activities, Shaikh Harun said that all assemblymen, MPs and members of Dewan Negara are also disallowed to serve as imams and khatibs in mosques and surau in the state.

In fact, he said that all mosque and surau committee chairpersons and members need to ensure that invited speakers, lecturers, teaching staff and Friday prayers preachers have credentials or approval issued by MAIDAM.

"All political party leaders and activists are also disallowed to deliver any talks, lectures or religious teachings in Terengganu, except for those who are certified or with the permission of MAIDAM.

"Any religious programme organised by government agencies, statutory bodies, subsidiaries of state companies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), held in agency buildings or public places, must ensure that speakers, lecturers or panellists invited, obtain approval from MAIDAM,” he said - BERNAMA