By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Aug 26 — Religious preachers whose teaching credentials were revoked by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) can still file an appeal to resume preaching in the state.
State executive councillor for Islam Dr Fahmi Ngah said an appeal committee has been set up to consider and facilitate applications for the reinstatement of teaching credentials.
“In the previous state assembly sitting, we amended the enactment to separate the members of the appeal committee from the investigating officers.
“This is to ensure fairness. So, we encourage any preacher who is aggrieved by the decision made to reapply for their credentials,” he told Media Selangor.
Fahmi acknowledged that the accreditation requirements set by Jais and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) are strict, but said this is necessary considering the state’s diverse population and the need to maintain harmony.
He explained that, in granting accreditation, both agencies have established a very good and strict structure, adding that the process is very fair.
“We provide different categories of accreditation. If someone is authorised to teach the Quran, they should only teach the Quran and not discuss other matters. There are categories for general Islamic studies, Islam based on scriptures and motivational teachings, among others.
“So, if there is any abuse, the accreditation can be revoked. These rules must be applied to everyone. Strict regulations are necessary because we are serious about Islamic affairs, and there must be clear guidelines,” he said.
In July, a special meeting of the Mais accreditation committee decided to revoke the teaching credentials granted to independent preacher Ustaz Don Daniyal Bon Bijayid.
This decision followed several issues concerning the Islamic teachings or sermons delivered by Don Daniyal, which were suspected of violating certain provisions under the Tauliah (State of Selangor) Regulations 2008.
