KUALA PERLIS: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail wants the mosques in the state to continue to be used as centres for learning and knowledge development.

He said the mosques should provide a balanced education and give emphasis on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah to educate the community so that they will be able to practice the teachings.

"At the same time, mosques must be kept away from political parties and distance themselves from sensitive issues that can cause public concern.

"To ensure the quality of delivery of religious teachers in the state mosque can be improved, the parties involved should also get a teaching certificate issued by the Perlis Mufti Department," he said in the opening ceremony of the Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail Mosque in conjunction with his 79th birthday last night.

Also present was Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid.

Also in attendance were Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and their daughter Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man with his wife Datin Seri Noraswana Omar, Perlis Mufti Prof Madya Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and the state executive council members were also present.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said the teaching staff who delivered lectures using weak arguments, abusive words and causing division were not welcome in this state.

"The same goes for those who do not respect the religious beliefs enshrined in the Constitution of the State of Perlis," he said.

He also wanted the mosques to intensify their religious-related programmes and activities so that they can be an attraction not only among the locals but also to the outside community.

-- BERNAMA