AGRICULTURE and Agro-based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub denied giving political talks at the Kolam Air Mosque in Johor Baru before Friday prayers, last week.

The Pulai MP said, on the contrary, his speech was religious and did not touch on partisan politics.

“I ask for proof on whether I talked politics in the mosque, as a MP and representative of the people, I am in the area every week, and I do my Friday prayers in the area,” Salahuddin told The Malaysian Insight.

The Amanah deputy president said he visits Pulai, where he is MP, every Friday to meet voters.

“It was a coincidence that on that day at the Kolam Air Mosque, in the Pulai parliamentary constituency… I arrived at 1pm, and prayers are starting at 1.20pm, the Imam asked me to speak as a member of Parliament.

“I did not speak politically, neither did I say anything partisan, (the recording of) the video does not prove I spoke politically,” he said.

Salahuddin said his tazkirah (religious talk) only called for Muslims to act kindly towards fellow human beings.

“What did I say politically? Was it my campaign, Pakatan (Harapan) or BN? It was not. I’m was saying that we must do our best for our fellow people, it was only a tazkirah,” he said.

He also said his 35 years in politics meant he knew not to talk politics in a mosque.

“It’s unlikely after 35 years of experience in politics, I would talk politics in the mosque… it’s not like I didn’t think of that,” he said.

Salahuddin said Amanah has already explained the situation to the Johor palace.  

“I do not think I said anything political in the mosque, but if there is evidence I am prepared.

“I have explained what happened and it is up to the authorities for further development,” Salahuddin said.

Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had urged state religious authorities to investigate and take immediate action against a politician who allegedly delivered political talks at a mosque in Johor before Friday prayers last week.

Through his social media site, Tunku Ismail said a political talk in a Johor mosque was unprecedented.

“In the state of Johor, it has never happened where people give a political talk in the mosque. Respect the Johor tradition.

“I urge the Islamic Religious Council to monitor and take action on anyone who uses a mosque, which is a place of worship, for the sake of politics,” said Tunku Ismail.

Tunku Ismail said this after a social media user going by the name of Captain Tsubasa uploaded a video of Salahuddin at the mosque on the crown prince’s Twitter page asking him to take action. – February 16, 2019.