Mais stays mum after Fahmi cleared of campaigning at mosque

The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) has declined further comment after clearing Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil of campaigning at a mosque in Kundang, Rawang during the recent election period. 

"So far there has been no comment from Mais," its corporate communications unit said in response to a question on whether politicians would be allowed to speak at mosques in Selangor as long as they are not campaigning.  
 
Mais chairman Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof previously said investigations had found that Fahmi, the Lembah Pantai MP, had not been campaigning when speaking at the mosque in July.

He said the Pakatan Harapan communications director had only talked about current issues, not political affairs.

"He (Fahmi) was replying to questions related to the concert (rude actions by the vocalist of the British band, The 1975) and the action taken to end the concert because it had violated the conditions that had been agreed upon.

"He did not mention politics in the mosque; in my view, (this issue) is settled. He came to pray; he looked for a nearby mosque and surau. As a minister, he should provide clear answers to the questions asked by the congregants," Aziz said. 

Selangor police had also cleared Fahmi of campaigning although the Selangor Islamic Religious Department or Jais later said it was still investigating the politician, who was photographed speaking to congregants at the mosque. 

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

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had also decreed for Mais to continue issuing reminders for Muslims not to use mosques or suraus for campaign purposes, especially during the recent elections.