Red Shirts leader Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos attempted to carry a coffin into the Selangor state secretariat building today, February 14, 2017. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 ― Selangor religious authorities have slammed Red Shirts leader Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos’ protest at the state secretariat building that was staged with several hearses and coffins.

The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) said today it discovered “elements of manipulation” of those managing the hearses belonging to mosques, where several individuals purportedly from the Selangor NGO Coalition claimed they wanted to rent the hearses for photoshoots, anti-gambling campaigns, and exhibitions.

“Jais deeply regrets the actions of several irresponsible individuals who exploited the conveniences of the mosque to hold a demonstration outside the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (SSAAS) building, the Selangor state secretariat’s office.

“Besides that, the actions of these individuals have smeared the sanctity of the mosque institution,” said Jais director Datuk Haris Kasim in a statement.

Local daily The Star reported that Jamal held the demonstration last Tuesday to demand an explanation from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali on the alleged misappropriation of Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor funds.