KOTA BARU: Religious authorities have been urged to ensure Friday sermons at mosques in their respective states do not touch on political issues.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said Friday sermons, including those leaning towards a certain party, should not take place.
"Issues involving a bias to a certain political party should not be included in Friday sermons, as it is more to unravel issues taking place in our country.
"If the Friday sermon is used for campaigning for a certain party, that is totally not allowed. Any Friday sermon not related to public issues should not be allowed. The respective religious authorities should monitor this closely," he said.
The Pengkalan Chepa MP told this to reporters after opening the Hari Sayyidatina Khadijah programme here today.
He said his ministry would discuss the matter with the respective state governments for further action.
Ahmad Marzuk was commenting on some mosques allegedly touching on political issues in their Friday sermons.
In a separate development, he said the government was still discussing the cost for Haj for 2023.