Imams must report any deviationist teaching - Jamil Khir

The imams must play a more aggressive role in preventing the spread of deviationist teachings which can confuse and destroy the faith of Muslims or lead to other problems spreading in the country.

A minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said in this regard, the imams must report to the authorities if they detected the spread of any deviationist teachings.

"Such things cannot be left unchecked because it can spread rapidly if no drastic action is taken to prevent it," he told reporters after closing the National Level Conference of Imams in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the existence of the National Mosque, Tuesday.

"Today we can see how the sanctity of Islam has been challenged in many ways by those seeking shelter in the name of human rights, liberalism and pluralism in our society," he said.

Jamil Khir said the imams must also be more aggressive in explaining to society on the deviationist teachings, and must forge close relations with the authorities such as the Islamic Religious Department, police and local authorities.

Meanwhile, he said there were 22,000 mosques and suraus throughout the country with with a total of 14,254 imams.

The three-day conference concluded today and was attended by 150 imams from throughout the country.