Eccentric architecture: A file pic of the ‘palace’, giant teapot and vase that were demolished in 2005 at the Sky Kingdom commune in Kampung Batu 13 in Jerteh, Terengganu.
No sign of deviant movement being revived, say cops
KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu police have yet to find any clues or attempts to revive the teachings of the late Ayah Pin, which were declared deviant in 1997.
Terengganu police chief Datuk Mazli Mazlan said that during his recent visit to Ayah Pin’s base, he found no suspicious activities conducted by the 124 residents in the village in Besut district.
They consisted of family members and relatives of Ayah Pin, whose real name was Ariffin Mohamad (inset pic).
“Generally, we have not detected anything. However, recently they (villagers) gathered for what seemed like a ‘doa selamat’ (thanksgiving prayer session) ... so maybe when they gathered, it was said to revive these teachings.
“We have received information and continuous monitoring is always carried out together with the Terengganu Islamic Religious Affairs Department. There is no compromise, and we will ensure that this issue will not recur.
“If there are offences, then we will take appropriate action,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Mazli said police had recorded a statement from a woman who filed a report in Pahang, saying that the deviant teachings were being revived.
He said police were still considering whether to record a statement from the owner of the Facebook account “Imam Muda Kulan” who claimed the same thing.
“The police welcome all information and evidence from the public regarding the matter.
“At the same time, they are reminded not to make unconfirmed statements and not to exaggerate the issue, which is still under investigation by authorities,” he said.
On Saturday, Bernama reported that attempts by certain parties to revive the teachings of Ayah Pin, who once shocked the country with his “Sky Kingdom”, had caught the attention of the state government.
“Information has been received and is being acted upon by the authorities,” said information, preaching and syariah empowerment committee chairman Dr Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi.
Earlier, a post on the Facebook account of Imam Muda Kulan claimed that the teachings of Ayah Pin were being revived by certain movements in the Besut area.
Previously, the Fatwa Committee of the Terengganu Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council in 1997 issued a fatwa (edict) declaring the teachings as deviant according to Section 25 of the Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 1986.
In April 2005, the Besut district land office issued notices to demolish several giant replicas at the headquarters of Ayah Pin, who had more than 150 followers.
Ayah Pin passed away on April 22, 2016, at the age of 74, at his home in Kampung Batu 13, Hulu Besut, due to old age.
In 1980, he founded the Sky Kingdom in Kampung Batu 13 where his commune contained a “palace” with giant structures of a teapot, vase, umbrella and a concrete boat.
At the peak of his infamy, he had four wives and hundreds of followers.
He claimed that God was human, telling his followers that Friday prayers were not compulsory.
He was declared an apostate for leaving Islam and spent 11 months in prison in 2001 for his activities.
