Keep politics out of mosques and prayer halls in Johor, says crown prince Tunku Ismail

Besides the ban on political talks, all activities involving religious discourse as well as the speakers involved must first be approved by the relevant religious bodies.

“Any activities in the form of religious talks, usrah (small group discussions), sharing of religious knowledge or others, must obtain authorisation and approval from JAINJ (Johor Religious Affairs Department).”

“All speakers who deliver lectures and share religious knowledge must also be accredited and officially recognised by MAINJ,” said Mr Mohd Fared as quoted by Sinar Harian.

Mr Mohd Fared said that guidelines on the prohibition will be placed in 850 mosques and 2,000 surau throughout Johor as soon as possible.

JAINJ will also meet with all mosque and surau chairmen, state assemblymen, and leaders of all political parties in the state to explain the ban.

“(Mosques are) a gathering place for Muslims to hold religious ceremonies, meetings and activities related to the unity of the community,” said Mr Mohd Fared.

However, he also noted how some parties hide behind religious programmes to spread certain political beliefs.

“Mosques and suraus are now being misused by some insensitive parties when religious programmes are mixed with political elements, causing misunderstanding and division among Muslims,” said Mr Mohd Fared who is Barisan Nasional’s Semerah assemblyman.

He added that the prohibition was not unprecedented as Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar had previously ordered that the religious sanctity and dignity of mosques and surau in the state be maintained.