Jais forms task force to keep politics out of prayer halls

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has set up a special task force to stop political campaigning at all mosques and surau during the elections.

The Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) website cited Jais director Datuk Haris Kasim as saying the move is to ensure Muslim places of worship remain free of partisan politics.

“The directive is also to keep the mosques and surau away from elements that can divide the community,” he was quoted saying in a statement.

Haris added that the checks are in line with a decree by Selangor Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on April 20, reminding people in the state against causing chaos.

The task force comes under the district Islamic office.