Authorities in Malacca say they 'view with suspicion' claims that the group's founder is the messiah, born in India, who can provide salvation
MALACCA - Muslim authorities in Malacca have expressed concern that a 'deviant religious group' with branches in Johor and Singapore is soliciting followers through the mail.
The group, Pergerakan Al-Mahdi Al-Sheikh of Gelang Patah Johor had been mailing flyers in Malacca urging Muslims to join the cult to save their souls, the Harian Metro tabloid reported yesterday.
The cult believes its founder, Al-Mahdi Al-Sheikh, is the saviour and messiah from Gujarat, India, who can provide salvation to believers.
The flyers contain an application form for membership of the cult and applicants can submit a cheque for any amount as a membership fee.
The cult also provides a Singapore address at an apartment block in Lorong K, Teluk Kurau.
According to Harian Metro, the cult claims its founder is a reformer who will rewrite Islamic teachings and purge the religion of its deviationist elements.
The cult has also attacked Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other leaders, calling them names and alleging their political party, Umno, is an enemy of Islam.
The deputy head of the Malacca Islamic Religious Affairs Department, Rahimin Bani, said that the authorities viewed the group's activities with concern.
'We view with suspicion claims by the group that its founder is the messiah who was born in India.
'We object to the group's uncalled-for criticisms of Dr Mahathir and Umno,' he said.
He urged Muslims in Malacca to be vigilant and remain unswayed by the group's claims.
Mr Rahimin, who said that his department would be working closely with its Johor counterparts, said that the group was dangerous and that Muslims in Malaysia should not get involved with it.
Deviationist groups are known to be active in Malaysia despite a clampdown by religious authorities.
Last month, a group from Indonesia calling itself the Jamaah Salamullah was reported to be active in the country.
The leader of the West Java-based cult, Lia Aminuddin, claims to be the Messiah or Imam Mahdi.
The cult also claims Lia is known as Mary, mother of Jesus, and had received divine revelation.
The Islamic Development Department in the Prime Minister's Office said it was monitoring the group.