PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has called on all parties to be more responsible and not arbitrarily give speeches that could cause strife, tension and anxiety in the society.
He said this included issuing statements touching on Islamic religious matters and fatwas.
In a statement today, Mohd Na’im said any religious matter, especially those dealing with faith and the Syariah, should be referred to the state Islamic religious authorities and scholars certified as experts in the discipline.
“All parties are requested to stop arguments and conflicts that can destroy the unity and peace of the country. All parties need to unite to develop the country to be more advanced, prosperous, competitive and peaceful,” he said.
Mohd Na’im added he is heeding the decree of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, in His Royal Highness’ capacity as the chairman of the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).
Sultan Sharafuddin urged all parties, especially political leaders, to take responsibility for strengthening unity for the sake of Malaysia’s well-being.
According to the minister, all leaders need to wholeheartedly accept and comply with His Royal Highness’ decree, so that religion is not misused to gain political support.
On September 13, Sultan Sharafuddin decreed all parties, especially political leaders, should stop issuing fatwas irresponsibly to preserve the unity of the people in this country.
The Ruler expressed the wish to not see the people divided due to the actions of some irresponsible political leaders, and that the decree is not partisan.
According to Mohd Na’im, the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has mobilised all agencies to strengthen the unity and togetherness of Muslims through various efforts and initiatives including enhancing the role of mosques and surau institutions as centres of unification for the ummah.
— Bernama
