King wants spread of Syiah ideology addressed, says Kedah Mufti

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, wants all quarters to pool their resources to address the spread of the Syiah ideology in the country, according to Kedah Mufti Datuk Syeikh Mohamad Baderuddin Ahmad.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong related this matter to him when His Majesty, who is the Sultan of Kedah, granted him an audience at the Istana Anak Bukit yesterday.

Syeikh Mohamad Baderuddin said His Majesty expressed concern over the increasingly serious spread of the Syiah ideology in Malaysia, including in Kedah, although the ideology had been prohibited in the country.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also said that severe penalties should be imposed on those found to spread the ideology and attempt to erode the faith of Sunnah followers in the country, he said.

Syeikh Mohamad Baderuddin spoke to reporters after delivering a keynote address at a seminar for northern zone tertiary institutions on addressing the Syiah issue in Malaysia, here, Thursday.

Syeikh Mohamad Baderuddin said youngsters were among those easily drawn to the Syiah ideology because it purportedly offered money and overseas trips.

"Such enticement can win over the youngsters to the Syiah ideology. The youngsters are also captivated by the allure of the 'nikah mutaah' (temporary marriage) besides the trips to countries administered by Syiah leaders.