Johor Sultan displeased by Tenang mosque two-imam incident
KOTA TINGGI, Feb 11 — The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, today expressed his displeasure over an incident where two imam led prayers at a mosque in the Tenang state constituency during the by-election last month.
He said such an incident was most regrettable and should not have happened merely because of political differences.
“During the by-election campaign, a group of people came to the mosque for prayers but unfortunately did not join the congregation.
“If they are late, they should just join the prayers led by the imam. Instead, the group formed another congregation at the rear,” he said.
This kind of behaviour should be discontinued lest there was a misconception that Muslims in the state were disunited, he said after attending Friday prayers at the Al-Hadi Mosque in Kampung Makam, here.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim officially opened the mosque which was built at a cost of RM2.1 million. Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, state executive councillors and Johor Islamic Affairs Council (MAIJ) advisor Datuk Nooh Gadot.
The sultan reminded Muslims in the state not to use mosques for politics or as a venue to disunite the people.
“The congregation in a mosque must respect the imam appointed by me. There is no difference in terms of race, position or political ideology in mosques.
“Mosques must be free of positions or political ideology because we all pray to the one true Almighty God,” he said.
The sultan also called for firm action to be taken against anyone using mosques for political interests.
He also reminded Muslims to maintain the cleanliness of mosques, saying the responsibility should not be left only to the mosque management. — Bernama
