According to the Selangor Mosque and Surau Guideline 2010, non-Muslims are not allowed to step into the prayer area of a mosque or surau in the state to hold any activity. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 ― The chairman of a Selayang mosque will lose his job for allowing the constituency’s MP, a non-Muslim, enter into its prayer hall recently.

Selangor Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Haris Kasim confirmed the decision with ProjekMMO, Malay Mail Online’s sister publication in Bahasa Malaysia, after the state Ruler’s decree yesterday for the mosque guardian (nazir) to be sacked following Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen’s visit during a breaking of fast event.

“His Royal Highness decreed dismissal in the text of his speech during the Ramadan programme at the johan setia mosque yesterday evening.

“Tomorrow I will call the nazir to convey His Royal Highness’ decree,” Haris said in a WhatsApp text message last night when contacted.

However, he said he was uncertain of the identity of the Selayang mosque guardian and would need to find out, adding that he would also need to discuss the job termination procedures with the nazir.

The post of nazir is held by the mosque chairman who is responsible for the daily running of the Islamic place of worship. The position is appointed by the state Islamic council.

Last Saturday, Leong was reportedly invited to enter the mosque’s prayer hall to deliver a speech and hand out donations.

However, the action reportedly resulted in dissatisfaction as some were angry that the PKR lawmaker who is Chinese and a non-Muslim was allowed into the mosque and made a speech.

Leong has since denied he delivered a political speech within the inner sanctum of the place of worship, and said he only wished the congregation “Selamat berpuasa” and “Selamat berbuka”.

According to the Selangor Mosque and Surau Guideline 2010, non-Muslims are not allowed to step into the prayer area of a mosque or surau in the state to hold any activity.

Such individuals, according to the guideline, can be charged under Section 12 of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 and can be fined not more than RM3,000 or jailed not more than two years or both.

Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reiterated that a mosque is not a venue for political programmes.

“What is even more disappointing is that the politician is not a Muslim and this clearly shows that the mosque has been misused for the benefit of the politician.

“I view this matter seriously and urge the Selangor Islamic Religious Department to look into this, investigate and take relevant action against those involved in this case,” the state monarch said after officiating a function at Masjid Kampung Johan Setia in Klang.

The sultan did not mention any names in his speech.

“If needed, the service of the mosque's nazir must be terminated and replaced,” Sultan Sharafuddin added.