Jais still probing Fahmi over mosque speech despite police clearance

The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) said it is still investigating Fahmi Fadzil after the PKR communications chief was photographed speaking to worshippers inside a mosque in the state, an action that raised eyebrows in light of a decree by the sultan banning politicians from using mosques for political activities in whatever form.

Jais, which launched an investigation under the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995 over suspicion of insulting religious authorities, said it is still looking into all elements and facts, although the police announced yesterday that Fahmi had done no wrong.

"We will also scrutinise the royal decree. If it was true (violating the decree), then charges will be brought," he told MalaysiaNow, adding that it was also not appropriate for Jais to expedite investigations just because state elections are around the corner.

Yesterday, Selangor police said Fahmi's speech at the Nurul Yaqin Mosque in Rawang on Sunday did not contain elements of political campaigning.

Fahmi had earlier said he was asked by the mosque management to explain the gay kiss incident involving rock band The 1975 in Sepang last month, where his ministry had come under attack for giving approval to the British group despite its past history of homosexual acts in a Muslim country.

The incident has also made its way into speeches by opposition leaders during the current state election campaign, who urged Fahmi to take responsibility and resign.

Jais had repeatedly warned politicians ahead of the Aug 12 state polls, saying mosques and suraus in the state are off limits to them for purposes not allowed by the Sultan of Selangor and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais).

It said anyone found using the mosques for politics is deemed to have insulted, disobeyed, and violated the Sultan's orders and can be subjected to action under Section 12 (a) or (b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995.

Under current rules, only individuals authorised by Mais are allowed to deliver speeches, lectures, sermons, or teachings in mosques and suraus in Selangor.