SHAH ALAM, Dec 13 — The Home Ministry’s exposure on the spread of Shiah is aimed at raising public awareness that if the movement is not curb it could lead to militancy, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s exposure on Shiah served as a reminder to Muslims not to allow on the Shiah movement to continue unabated as it could rage into turmoil like in several West Asian countries.

“Look at what is happening in Syria, Iraq and worst still Pakistan. When Shiah becomes too big to condone, it becomes a militant group and clashes with Sunnis,” he told reporters after launching an anti-crime campaign at the Shah Alam Police District Headquarters here today.

Khalid (picture) said the police were monitoring the Shiah movement with the assistance of the Islamic Development Department.

Ahmad Zahid had claimed a PAS number two leader is a follower of the Shiah branch of Islam considered deviant in Malaysia while Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Radzi revealed a list of evidence allegedly proving his links to the media.

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu has since denied the allegation and is threatening legal action against the government.

In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah mufti Bongsu @ Aziz Jaafar said the Shiah movement in Sabah allegedly spread in rural areas where the district offices received 17 applications for muta’ah (contract marriage) and they were required to take oaths before district officers.

He said the spread of Shiah, allegedly through businesses, education, political parties and non-governmental organisations, was being monitored by the authorities.

Shiah is not a sect in Islam, instead its followers are obsessed with Saidina Ali whom they regard as the caliph after Prophet Muhammad, he said when delivering a talk on Shiah from the perspective of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jammaah organised by the Communication and Multimedia Ministry in Kepayan here today.

In Kuala Lumpur, Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha has urged those with information on Syiah to lodge police reports to enable investigation papers to be opened by state religious authorities.

“Matters pertaining to (Muslim) faith involving any individuals will investigated in accordance with legal procedure. If sufficient evidence is found, those involved will be prosecuted and it is up to the court to decide,” he said in a statement. — Bernama