IPOH – Perak Pas Youth has called for the suspension of the Perak Menteri Besar’s special officer pending an investigation into an alleged speech delivered within a mosque compound in Kerian.
Perak Pas Youth Strategy Director Nurhafizul Badrul Hisham said the incident raised questions over compliance with the Perak Sultan’s decree prohibiting politicians from delivering speeches at mosques and surau.
He said the matter should be taken seriously as the prohibition was also stipulated in an official circular issued by the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk).
“I call for firm action to be taken against the Perak Menteri Besar’s special officer involved in this irresponsible act.
“This includes temporarily suspending him and revoking his appointment if the investigation finds him guilty of violating the prohibition,” he said in a statement today.
A video circulating on social media showed the individual, who is said to be a political party leader, delivering a speech during a programme involving special education students held in the grounds outside the mosque.
Nurhafizul said the incident could tarnish the image of Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who had previously refrained from delivering speeches at mosques and surau in compliance with the prohibition.
He said Saarani had taken the position of not delivering speeches at mosques and surau as a sign of respect for the Perak Sultan’s decree.
“This also concerns respect for the Sultan’s decree, which all residents of Perak should observe,” he said.
The media previously reported that JAIPk, through a circular dated Oct 26, 2022, prohibited political activities at mosques, Surau Diri Jumaat and surau in the state, following a decree by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah during the Perak State-level Kariah Committee and Mosque Officers Conference on Oct 24, 2019.
According to the circular, the prohibition aims to safeguard the sanctity of mosque institutions from activities serving political interests.