IPOH: The Perak Islamic Religious Department has been told to clear the air over a visit it organised to a Hindu temple as part of a course.
In a statement, the Perak Menteri Besar's Office said this was important to correct any misconceptions arising from the visit and a participant's remarks.
The Perak Menteri Besar's Office said this was among the four decisions made to resolve the issue following a meeting which involved the state government, the Perak Islamic Religious Department, the Perak Mufti's Department and the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council.
Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has also consented to the implementation of the four decisions, which includes the Perak Islamic Religious Department explaining the visit.
The department has also been instructed to review the course module to prevent misunderstandings which can affect its reputation and credibility as an organisation tasked with safeguarding the interests of Muslims.
It has also been asked to obtain input from the Perak Mufti's Department on similar programmes in the future.
"Finally, all heads of state departments are reminded to be careful when issuing statements, particularly those touching on religious sensitivities.
"The Perak government is deeply concerned with the polemics arising from this incident as it can cause confusion, misunderstanding and create negative perceptions among Muslims, to the point it can affect the reputation of the state government and religious authorities."
The Perak Menteri Besar's Office urged all parties to remain calm and avoid making statements that can cause tensions.
Previously, a 6-minute video showing a Perak Islamic Religious Department delegation visiting a Hindu temple in KL went viral.
Earlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said claims that the visit threatened the faith of the participants were baseless.
He said the programme only involved selected religious teachers and was aimed at helping them provide Muslims, including youths, with a better understanding of how different religions compared to Islam.