Johor Ruler wants ties with Jakim cut

BATU PAHAT - Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (pic) ordered the state Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) to stop dealing with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

He also directed JAIJ to carry out checks on Muslim preachers in the state and revoke their credentials if something seemed out of place.

The Sultan also decreed that JAIJ should no longer waste their time dealing with Jakim and that the federal department should stop offering its views to Johor.

The Sultan said this in his speech at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s 17th convocation ceremony yesterday, where he also described former Jakim officer Zamihan Mat Zin who recently criticised him over the Muslims-only laundrette case, as an empty vessel.


“The way he talked was arrogant, he mocked other races and after being lambasted by the public, he denied his actions.

“Looks like the ustaz is good at lying. How are we to learn from him then?” he said.

Sultan Ibrahim was referring to Zamihan’s statement on Wednesday where he claimed he never mentioned the Johor Sultan or used abusive or seditious words in his speech at a mosque in Klang, Selangor.

Applause erupted when Sultan Ibrahim said he did not want to prolong the issue and forgave Zamihan.

They also clapped when His Majesty said that those who cannot live harmoniously in society should stay in a cave and stressed that there is no place for narrow-minded­ness in Johor.

“When banknotes may have been held by a pork seller or alcohol seller, does the Government have to make Muslims-only money?

“What about public seats where a stray dog could have urinated or pillows and blankets in a hotel which could have come in contact with unclean elements, it would be endless,” he said, urging the people to reflect.