PARIT BUNTAR: Firm action will be taken against any individual who sows the seeds of hatred in mosques during the month of Ramadan, which begins Sunday (May 5).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said this was necessary to ensure mosques were free of political influences and parties which could disunite Muslims and tarnish the government.
“We will act firmly against the actions of labelling a person as deviant and calling others infidels because mosques must be free from political party ideologies.
“We must guard our mouths against uttering slander during Ramadan because it can create numerous problems which can break up families," he told a media conference after launching the "Let’s Celebrate Ramadan" programme in the compound of the Kerian district mosque here today.
He said the Perak Islamic Religious Department had issued circulars advising mosques and suraus against holding religious lectures during Ramadan.
Mujahid, who is also Parit Buntar Member of Parliament, said allegations that the government did not defend Islam could undermine the government's efforts to uplift the religion.
“The government had also taken action in accordance with the law against those who insulted the sovereignty of Islam as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“We have taken action against the (social media) posts that insulted the king and the case of the mufti who was threatened. We have detained (people). Who said we don’t take action?" he asked.
In the meantime, Mujahid said, the government has increased the allocation for the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) to RM1.2 billion from RM1.1 billion.
“Is what I am doing at odds? And I also opened the avenue for the public to criticise me. But they must also give space to me to respond to their criticisms based on facts and not emotions," he said.
Meanwhile, he said, his ministry has contributed RM30,000 to 30 mosques in the Krian district with each mosque getting RM1,000 for iftar throughout Ramadan. - Bernama