Kuala Lumpur: Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today addressed the refusal of a 'khatib' to deliver sermons prepared by the State Islamic Religious Department, calling it a significant transgression that must be tackled. He emphasized that ignoring such behavior could lead to greater division within the Muslim community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan stated that preaching credentials are granted by royal decree, based on evaluations by the Mufti's office. He urged the State Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, the State Islamic Religious Department, and territorial chiefs to remain alert to individuals exploiting religion for misguided ideologies.

Sultan Nazrin stressed the importance of cleansing mosques and prayer halls of those spreading false teachings. He made these remarks at the opening of 'Muzakarah Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah', an event attended by notable figures including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Zahidi Wan Teh.

The Sultan highlighted an increasing trend of individuals positioning themselves as religious scholars, spreading misleading narratives influenced by political bias. He called for fair investigations by authorities into such violations, with findings and recommendations to be presented to the Ruler.

At the event, Sultan Nazrin also introduced two books by Wan Zahidi, focusing on the influence of Ahli Sunah Waljamaah in community development and the relationship between government and people within the framework of Ahli Sunah Waljamaah.