PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said all parties must respect the ban on politicians giving lectures or political talks in mosques and surau.

He said the ban is applicable to all quarters, including himself.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he would avoid accepting invitations to give talks at mosques.

“In respecting the order (by religious authorities), I avoid giving talks when I stop at a mosque for Friday prayer,” he told reporters after attending the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

The prime minister said this in response to a statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang on Saturday, where he was reported to have said there was nothing wrong with politicians delivering sermons or religious lectures at mosques and surau, instead it was compulsory for them to do so.

Hadi’s comments were reported to be over the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council banning politicians from delivering religious lectures in mosques and surau in the state. – Bernama, March 7, 2023.