KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Hereditary Shiah followers are asked not to spread Shiah teachings to other Muslims.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) who made the call, said such groups of Shiah followers should immediately inform the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) about their activities.

“There are divisions in Shiah including the Buhra group...they practise Shiah teachings without spreading it to other groups.

“I am not saying that this (Shiah practices) is allowed, as it comes under the jurisdiction of Jakim.

“But I think it’s good if they can tell Jakim that they only practise Shiah teachings among their own members and have no intention of spreading it to others,” he told Bernama after an interview programme on BernamaTV last night.

Ahmad Zahid was asked whether Shiah teachings passed down through generations in some families, including among the Indian community, could continue to be practised in this country.

Earlier, during the interview programme, he said the ministry would intensify efforts at stemming the spread of Shiah teachings among Muslims to maintain security and public order.

The minister said he was concerned that Shiah teachings could divide Muslims in this country and lead to civil war like what happened in some Middle Eastern countries. — Bernama