JAIPk regrets controversy over course participants' visit to non-muslim house of worship

IPOH, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) regrets the controversy arising from the circulation of a video clip about a visit to a non-Muslim house of worship in the capital on July 30.

JAIPk clarified in a statement today that the video was related to a private visit organised by the Global Unity Network (UNITY), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in collaboration with JAIPk, involving 32 selected participants from across Perak.

JAIPk said that all participants were attending five ‘dakwah’ (preaching) courses under the department aimed at enhancing their understanding of dakwah activities, with the visit being one of the modules in the course.

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It said the visit was part of the course content to train and boost the confidence of participants in doing dakwah, particularly to correct many misunderstandings about Islam, including those arising from Islamophobia.

“However, the visit became controversial when a newspaper published a video clip of a statement by one of the female participants, causing misunderstandings and sparking heated debates on social media,” read the statement.

JAIPk clarified that the woman involved was not an officer or staff member of the department, as alleged, but a voluntary participant in the course.

The department also apologised to all parties, especially Muslims, for the controversy caused by the course and the participant's statement, which led to misunderstandings and tarnished the reputation of the state government and religious authorities.

As a department entrusted with managing Islamic affairs and interests, JAIPk reiterated its commitment to the principles of ‘maqasid syariah’, which underpin the administration of the Perak State Government.

JAIPk also noted the directives and decisions made by the state government following the advice of Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah to address the issue promptly to prevent further unrest in the community.

To prevent similar controversies, JAIPk said it would review the course modules and implementation methods and set specific guidelines for participants in future dakwah programmes organised by the department.

Earlier, the media reported that the issue went viral following a 6.35-minute video clip believed to be from the Tamil-language media showing the visit of a delegation from JAIPk to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillay, Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, UNITY in a separate statement said that the programme was a guided visit conducted for JAIPk religious teachers which was an important initiative to foster awareness, understanding and unity between various religions in the country.

UNITY said it used the guidelines set by the Federal Territories Mufti Office and the Perlis State Mufti Department in guiding the participants.

According to UNITY, the programme aims to strengthen the relationship between communities and ensure peace and harmony in living together in Malaysia by respecting each other's customs and taboos.

It said the programme has been run by Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji (National Maulidur Rasul Figure 2012 award recipient) and the UNITY team for more than 20 years, which showed Malaysia's commitment to harmony and social unity, and was the basis for the stability and prosperity of a plural country.

"UNITY would like to humbly apologise if there has been any misunderstanding about this initiative," read the statement.

-- BERNAMA