The state of Johor has banned all political activities from being held in mosques and surau within the state with immediate effect. This was announced by the state’s Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Tosrin Jarvanthi yesterday (18 February 2022) following a decision made by the Mosque and Surau Management Division of the Johor Religious Department (JAINJ).
As reported by national news agency Bernama, Tosrin asserted that it is the responsibility of the district kadi to ensure that mosques and surau within their respective areas are not used as a venue for political activities. These include talks and sermons given by political leaders, whether they are from the government or opposition.
In a press conference yesterday, the Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman stressed,
“The Mosque and Surau Managemend Division of JAINJ has decided not to allow any political leaders, even from the government, to use mosques and suraus for any political activities,”
The move is similar to the one taken by the state of Selangor in December last year which decided to ban anyone who is politically active from getting accreditation in teaching Islam within the state.
What do you guys think of the decision by the Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Sultan of Selangor: Politicians are Banned From Preaching Islam In Selangor, Effective Dec 31