Penang govt: No interference in mosque committee appointments
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has assured that the selection process for mosque committee members in the state is conducted transparently and free from any interference.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PKR - Batu Maung) said that the nomination and appointment procedures were set by the Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), in accordance with approved legal provisions.
"To ensure there is no undue interference in this selection, nominations must be proposed by a nominator and supported by at least one seconder, both of whom must be chosen by the congregation during the nomination meeting," he said when responding to a question from Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (Pas –Penaga) regarding the process for selecting mosque chairpersons and committee members in Penang.
According to Mohamad, a key requirement for nomination is that the candidate must have been a permanent resident in the mosque's congregation area for at least three months and must be present at the nomination meeting.
He added that the 2024 Nomination Procedures for Mosque Congregation Committees in Penang were presented and approved by MAINPP on Nov 18, 2024, and received royal assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 2, 2024.
"The appointments for the 2026 to 2028 term will be fully managed by the Mosque and Surau Management Division of the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP)," he added.
Meanwhile, on the appointments for the State Mosque and district mosques, Mohamad said a new structure approved in September 2024 stipulated that the JHEAIPP director would serve as chairperson of the State Mosque, while District Religious Administrative Officers will lead the district mosques.
"Committee members at the state and district levels will also include civil servants from various agencies such as the police, the Public Works Department (PWD), the Education Department, the District Office, local authorities, and representatives from suraus within the respective congregations.
"MAINPP hopes that the appointed committees will assist in managing their congregations in line with the Penang State Islamic Religious Administration Enactment (Amendment 2023) and work to strengthen unity and welfare among Muslims in their areas," he said.
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