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New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sultan of Kedah warns against deviant teachings, urges enforcement
ALOR STAR: The Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has expressed serious concern over the spread of teachings and ideologies that deviate from true Islamic principles. His Majesty said such matters could pose a threat to national security, and urged the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (JHEAIK) and other religious institutions across the state to take a more assertive yet prudent approach in curbing deviant teachings. "The role of recognised and certified religious scholars, imams, and preachers is vital in guiding the community. "I wish to remind all that any religious discourse, lecture, or preaching must be accurate to prevent confusion or division among the people," he said in his royal address during an investiture ceremony held at Istana Anak Bukit, in conjunction with His Majesty's 83rd birthday celebration. The Sultan also expressed gratitude and pride over Kedah's recent success in being crowned overall champion at the National Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly 2025. "This achievement is an encouraging sign of the continuous efforts to strengthen Quranic institutions in this state. "The role of Institusi Al-Quran Darul Aman must be further enhanced to produce more quality and authoritative Quran memorisers, reviving Kedah's historical standing as a distinguished centre for Quranic knowledge," he said. Meanwhile, Sultan Sallehuddin congratulated all recipients of state honours and medals, describing the conferment as a mark of appreciation for their dedicated service to His Majesty, the state government and Kedah as a whole. He called on successful Kedahans to give back to their home state through tithe, charity, endowments, investments, expertise and social initiatives. "As we celebrate our achievements, I urge that success not be enjoyed in isolation, but instead be treated as a trust and responsibility to continue giving back to this beloved state," he added.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Preacher quizzed over Bunian claim, report to be sent to mufti
ALOR STAR: Kedah religious authorities have questioned a controversial preacher who claimed that a well-known religious figure had performed Friday prayers with supernatural beings, known in Malay folklore as bunian. Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin, director of the Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK), said the department will submit its investigation report to the Kedah Mufti Department for further action. Abd Ghani said that the preacher had made the statement during an event held on Nov 11, 2023. The preacher was hauled up for questioning on Sunday at the department's office, he said. Abd Ghani said: "His statement was recorded and the investigation report has been completed." The saga began after a 1-minute-31-second video went viral, showing the preacher claiming that the late Tuan Guru Sheikh Abdul Hamid Ismail had performed Friday prayers in the company of bunian This is not the first time the preacher has courted controversy. Last year, he was reminded by JHEAIK to refrain from behaviour that could mislead the public, following the circulation of a video showing students excessively praising him at an event where Arabic verses were recited in his admiration. Meanwhile, Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin urged the religious authorities to act decisively, describing the preacher's remarks as deeply troubling. "This is the second time the same individual has been embroiled in a controversy touching on Islamic creed (akidah) and religious sensibility. Such incidents tarnish the sanctity of Islam and create unrest within the community," he said in a statement today. Shaiful also urged JHEAIK to strengthen its checks and monitoring of all accredited religious speakers in the state.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Preacher under investigation over claims of praying with 'orang bunian'
ALOR STAR: Kedah religious authorities have launched a probe into a prominent preacher following the circulation of a video claiming that a religious figure performed Friday prayers with supernatural beings known by the Malays as bunian. Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) director Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin said the preacher would be called in to provide clarification on the matter. "We are aware of the video's circulation and the claim that the preacher spoke about a religious figure performing Friday prayers with bunian, allegedly during his lifetime. "JHEAIK is currently reviewing the video and will summon the individual involved to obtain further explanation before taking appropriate action," he said when contacted today. He said JHEAIK is also working closely with the state Mufti Department to determine the proper course of action to address the issue. "We advise all religious speakers to exercise caution and refrain from making statements that could mislead the public, particularly the Muslim community. "The public is also urged not to be overly zealous and to verify the authenticity of such claims with recognised religious authorities. "We hope everyone remains calm and allows the relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, rather than making premature statements that may cause public unease on social media," he added. The controversy surfaced after a 1-minute-31-second video recently went viral on social media. The clip showed the preacher at an event, accompanied by a caption that read: "The story of Paksu Mid performing Friday prayers with Bunian in the middle of the sea" (Paksu Mid Solat Jumaat Bersama Bunian di Tengah Laut).
