JOHOR BARU: The state government has reminded parties that political activities and campaigning are prohibited in mosques and surau, especially in the run-up to the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections.
State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said, however, this did not involve Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi or anyone allowed by the Johor Islamic Council.
He said non-Muslim politicians or those who wanted to carry out outreach programmes in mosques and surau must delegate such programmes to Muslim special officers, who will be subject to requirements.
"Among these requirements is that they are not allowed to give any speech, launch or officiate anything, give ceramah, be the imam or wear anything with party logos.
"Events to distribute aid can be done outside mosques and surau, or in public areas, like multipurpose halls, squares and fields.
"If such an event must at all be held on the compounds of mosques and surau, the participation must be limited only to Muslims and all guidelines must be followed.
"This prohibition has been in place since the beginning of the year, so this is a reminder that it is already in place, since we will face by-elections soon."
Fared said anyone could be involved in building, repairing or renovating mosques and surau, but they must not use the names of parties in the projects.
This, he said, also applied to the hanging of flags, logos and banners of parties or anything referring to parties.
"Legal action can be taken against any person or party that breaks these rules under Section 9 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997."
Under this section, anyone found guilty can be fined not more than RM3,000 or jailed up to two years, or both.