A DAP rep has called on both the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and department (Jais) to probe a demonstration by Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Yunos, in which hearses and a coffin were used. 

The authorities, said Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson Lau Weng San, must determine whether Jamal's antics were politically motivated or otherwise. 

Most hearses belong to mosques and some may be managed by private companies or individuals, while there are those contributed by the federal or state government, he pointed out. 

"Some vans are even bought with donations from the Muslim community and local Al-Quran readers. 

"So the question on everyone's minds when they saw the hearses accompanying Jamal in his demonstration, were whether the assets owned by Islamic institutions were abused by politicians like Jamal for his own political interests," Lau said in a statement today.

This was a serious matter, he added, as the people of Selangor had been constantly reminded how Islamic institutions were not to be used for political purposes by politicians and irresponsible quarters. 

Meanwhile, citing a video recording posted online, Lau said several number plates (of the hearses) could be seen clearly, among them, WTG1013, WFT2241, BKA1997 (with the words “Masjid As-Solihin Padang Jawa”), WGM4771, WPQ1673, WWV9861 (with the words “JKKKP Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani”).

“If it is true (that Jamal used the hearses for his political interests), I urge Mais and Jais to take whatever action against those who have gone against the law,” said.

Jamal on Tuesday commandeered 15 hearses and a coffin to the state secretariat building in Shah Alam as a gimmick to protest what he claimed were the abuses in state senior citizens and funeral arrangement assistance schemes.

However he was stopped from entering the state secretariat building's premises by security personnel. A heated argument also ensued as several individuals criticised his interference at the state government building.