No slack in curbing deviants

PUTRAJAYA: The government remains fully committed in combating deviant teachings and practices in the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In commending the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) for spearheading the efforts, Ahmad Zahid revealed that 246 arrests were made last year in relation to deviant teachings in the state, compared to just 31 the previous year.
"Based on a JAIS report, we identified 19 deviant sects from 39 that are still active in the country.
"This is a major concern for all Muslims here," he said when officiating at the "Multaqah Dakwah dan Pemikiran Islam" convention here today.
Also present were the Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, PAS Ulama Datuk Mahfodz Mohamed and several state muftis.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that deviant beliefs can cause disunity among Muslims as they reject the Sunnah Wal Jamaah Sunnah principles.
"In addition, Islamic State militants are becoming a consistent threat to public order as their ideology promotes violence."
Among the deviant groups identified in Selangor were those linked to anti-Hadith, Shia Muslim, Samaniah tarekat, Millah Abraham, Al-Arqam, Aurat Islamiah Mahmud Haji Abdul Rahman, liberal-leaning and Ilmu Makrifat Kenali Diri groups.
During the event, Ahmad Zahid also announced former Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the new Islamic Consultative Council economic cluster chief.
Abdul Khalid replaces former Johor Corporation chief executive officer Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashini, who died last October.