Johari: Keep politics out of mosques and surau
KUALA LUMPUR: Mosques and surau are not places to disseminate political ideologies, said Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He reminded his constituents that places of worship are meant to strengthen ties between community members.
"Don't bring factions into this surau.
"Don't bring political ideologies here.
"This is for the community," he said in his speech officiating the opening ceremony of Surau Jumaat Al Falah at the People's Housing Project (PPR) Hiliran Ampang.
The surau finally obtained permanent approval from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department to conduct Friday prayers beginning this month, after waiting for two and a half years.
Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said that residents of the 940 PPR units from blocks A, B and C can now perform Friday prayers with comfort and ease.
"Prior to this, the other available mosque was already so crowded.
"When I found out that the application was approved, I was very happy.
"Now, we can also host community events here."
He also reminded his constituents to practise fair and transparent administration of the surau and to involve the youth in community events and its administration.
Surau chairman Ahmad Fauzi Murad said this also makes it easier for the elderly to perform Friday prayers instead of crossing the road to get to Masjid Nurul Islam.
Previously, the surau obtained temporary approval to conduct Friday prayers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the committee pushed for permanent approval, which was finally obtained only a few weeks ago.
Fauzi said none of this would have been possible without Johari, and thanked him for his commitment towards realising the dreams of the committee.
What started as a surau under the PPR's lobby was relocated in 2016 and is now equipped with three large ceiling fans and can accommodate 1,200 people.
Federal Territories' deputy mufti Jamali Mohd Adnan, also attended the opening ceremony, which was followed by Friday prayers.
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