All parties involved in the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election have been reminded not to make mosques their political arena and place to campaign.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa (photo) said political activities which often contained negative messages and create division could violate the sanctity of the mosques.

He said this prohibition was in line with the instructions of the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar not to use mosques as political platforms.

He said all those involved in politics can conduct their activities during the campaign but do not use mosques for this purpose.

“Mosques are houses of worship and (supporters of) all parties can go there..so do not violate the image of the mosque,” he told reporters when met at the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan Open Day in Kuala Lumpur today.

On May 16, Sultan Ibrahim ordered the Council of the Religion of Islam Johor to take stern action against mosque officials who provide a platform for politicians to conduct their activities in the mosques.

The Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16 sees a six-cornered fight between candidates from Pakatan Harapan, BN, Gerakan, Berjasa, and two independent candidates.

- Bernama