The department’s assistant director, Sabariah Salleh, however refused to go into specifics, saying any questions on the understanding of these schools of thought should be referred to the Selangor mufti.

“I can’t go into details but if you were to refer to the mufti, we will get a better understanding,” she told FMT.

The event, attended by leaders from the various faiths, was co-organised by Global Unity Network (Unity), an NGO headed by popular Muslim preacher Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji.

However, Shah Kirit said he plans to hold a forum soon where he will invite these two groups.

“The dialogue is meant to seek the truth and not a competition to win. We hope they will accept,” he said.

Religious authorities in Malaysia regard both Shia and Ahmadiah teachings as deviant.

Earlier this month, Ahmadiah followers challenged Jais which tried to charge them with shariah offences, saying authorities had never recognised them as Muslims.