IPOH: Certified speakers who have become state assemblymen should know the rules for giving talks at surau and mosques, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad(pic).
The Perak Mentri Besar was commenting on claims that an assemblyman gave a speech at a mosque in Klebang on Sunday (Dec 11).
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"The guidelines and rules for assemblymen have been stated and the issue has also been raised by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. So I think it is very clear.
"As the state religious committee chairman, I have been offered to speak in mosques and surau as well. But because I am a politician, I politely decline.
"Certified speakers or ustaz who have become assemblymen, please follow the rule," he told reporters at the Perak Broadcasting Department here on Tuesday (Dec 13).
On Monday (Dec 12), former Titi Serong assemblyman Hasnul Zulkarnain Abdul Munaim claimed he received a complaint that PAS Manjoi assemblyman Hafez Sabri had allegedly given a talk at Masjid Al Amaniah in Kg Seri Klebang, Ipoh on Sunday.
Hasnul Zulkarnain, who did not defend his seat in GE15, said Hafez had violated the Perak Ruler's orders that no politicians should give speeches at any mosque or surau registered under the Perak Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk).
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In a letter issued on Oct 26, MAIPk said no political activities are allowed at all mosques and surau in Perak, including talks or placing party logos on the premises.
Separately, Saarani said the upcoming tabling of Perak's 2023 budget will focus on development and such important issues as food security.
"Apart from that, we are also focusing on creating a more efficient government, providing better opportunities for companies and businesses, and having a sufficient budget for government administration," he said.
The Perak state assembly sitting, the first after GE15, is expected to start on Dec 19 and continue until Dec 30.
Among the items on the agenda are the tabling of the state budget for next year and the anti-party hopping law.
