SHAH ALAM, Jan 21 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is investigating the administrator of a mosque's Facebook account in Rawang, following claims of political content on its official page.
JAIS director Dato' Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said this issue runs counter to the wishes of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who has decreed that mosques and suraus in the state must remain free from political party influence.
"The position of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and JAIS on this matter follows the Sultan’s decree, which requires that mosques and suraus in Selangor stay neutral and avoid any involvement or actions that could lead to division or conflict among Muslims, particularly involving political parties.
"His Royal Highness has ordered MAIS and JAIS to be firm in ensuring that mosques and suraus remain neutral, peaceful places for worship and community activities, continuing to be the heart and strength of the Muslim community," he said in a statement today.
Shahzihan added that the investigation is being conducted under Section 12 (a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 and the Selangor Masjid and Surau Regulations 2017, which provide for penalties including fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from mosque management positions.
He urged Muslims to use mosques and surau as places of unity and cooperation within their communities.
"Let our differences help us grow in knowledge, worship, and purify our hearts, not create division based on the fundamentals of our faith. We must avoid cultivating hate, resentment, and extremism," Shahzihan said.
