By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — The state government will be tabling an amendment bill related to religious teaching credentials in the upcoming Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting.
State executive councillor for Islamic affairs Dr Fahmi Ngah said the proposed amendment aims to ensure a more transparent process for appointing and verifying the credentials of preachers in Selangor, particularly concerning the delivery of religious talks in mosques and surau.
“This provision already exists in Selangor’s Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment 2003, but we aim to update it.
“The main purpose of the amendment is to ensure a transparent process, especially concerning the accreditation of preachers.
“Secondly, we are improving the process in cases where accreditations need to be revoked to ensure greater transparency and governance,” he said after visiting Digital Nasional Bhd’s (DNB) My5G Portal at The Exchange 106 today.
According to Fahmi, the amendment concerns Section 118 of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, regarding the appointment of a Tauliah Committee and its power to give ‘tauliah’ (accreditation) for the purpose of the teaching of Islam and to withdraw such ‘tauliah’.
Section 119, meanwhile, stipulates that teaching Islam without accreditation in the state is an offence. Those guilty may be fined up to RM3,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of two years or both.
Previously, on February 7, state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the Selangor government is considering several amendments to state enactments to clamp down on irresponsible acts and preserve harmony.
This includes an amendment related to religious teaching credentials to deliver religious talks in mosques and surau, to which the State Executive Council has already given its nod.
She said such efforts are necessary as the state government has a duty to respond to racial and religious sentiments played up by the Opposition, which promote disharmony in multicultural Selangor.
