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THE Perak state government has called for a review of existing regulations to ensure that politicians, as well as mosque committees, can be held accountable if they deliver speeches or religious lectures in mosques and suraus registered with the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who also holds the state’s Islamic Affairs portfolio, said current guidelines place the burden of responsibility solely on the mosque or surau committee when an individual is allowed to speak on the premises.
“I am aware that the current Guidelines for the Organisation of Islamic Religious Lectures in the State of Perak only place the offence on the mosque or surau committee. We need to study measures to also act against the political figure who violates the existing guidelines,” he told reporters.
Saarani stressed that legislators or political leaders deliberately contravening the Sultan of Perak’s directives should be subject to legal accountability.
“We need to examine why the offence is currently placed on the chairman and mosque committee for permitting someone to speak, as that falls under their responsibility. If it is necessary to take action against the person concerned, we need to study it. There must be legislation that allows us to act against anyone who intentionally disobeys the Tuanku’s command,” he said.
The remarks came during the launch of the Perak Student Aid and Emergency Assistance Programme and Student Book Voucher scheme 2026 at the Chief Minister’s Office in Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Saarani was responding to a recent viral allegation that Parit Member of Parliament Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib delivered a sermon at Masjid Qariah Kampung Air Mati, Bota, within his constituency.
The claim was raised by former Titi Serong State Assemblyman Hasnul Zulkarnain Abdul Munain via Facebook, noting that such actions reportedly only exposed the mosque committee to penalty rather than the politician himself.
Muhammad Ismi had previously posted on Facebook about attending congregational Tarawih prayers at the mosque, engaging with the community, and listening to local concerns.
Saarani reiterated the importance of fully complying with the Sultan of Perak’s directive, which prohibits politicians from addressing congregations in mosques or suraus.
“As the state Islamic Affairs Exco, I follow the Tuanku’s orders completely. Tuanku has decreed that political figures are not allowed to speak in mosques or suraus. I have adhered fully to this and have reminded all elected representatives, government and opposition alike.
“Anyone who still wishes to violate this directive must be prepared to face action for their offence,” he said.
The statement signals Perak’s intention to consider legislative reforms to close loopholes and ensure accountability for politicians who disregard religious protocols in state-registered places of worship. - February 25, 2026