KUALA LUMPUR: Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has defended Muslim politicians who deliver political sermons and religious speeches in mosques and suraus, stating that they are obliged to do so.
He said there is no impropriety in politicians taking on this role, arguing that in Islam, it is in fact compulsory for them to speak up against any shortcomings be it on the economy or political issues.
"There is nothing wrong with politicians delivering sermons or religious lectures at mosques and suraus.
"We need to realise that in Islam, politics and religion could not be separated. Prophet Muhammad had also touched on politics in his 'fatwa' (sermons). We need to speak (on these issues)," he said this at a press conference yesterday.
He said this in response to Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam) who had barred politicians from giving religious lectures in mosques and suraus in the state.
Maidam, in a statement, said Terengganu's Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was upset that some politicians had delivered religious lectures or classes, and led Friday prayers without the council's approval.
The council stressed that political leaders and activists are not allowed to deliver religious lectures, without its permission.
Hadi, however, described the prohibition as a "common instruction", adding that it has been in place since the 60s and that Maidam was merely repeating it.
"We will continue our sermons as usual at the suraus and mosques", he said.
In January, Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim decreed that all mosques and suraus in Johor were prohibited from being used as platform to deliver political speeches.
Tunku Ismail, who is also Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) chairman, forbade any individual or politician from using mosques and suraus as a place to discuss political issues.