Muhyiddin in disbelief over Nik Aziz’s stand
(NST) MALACCA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin slammed Pas spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat for condoning DAP leaders in insulting Islam.
"Just because they are in the same coalition (Pakatan Rakyat) does not mean that insulting Islam is allowed. This is like selling Islam for political gain.
"I am in a state of shock and disbelief that Nik Aziz, being a Muslim leader, could condone this, believing that their (DAP's) understanding of the religion was not deep enough," he said,
Nik Aziz, who is Kelantan menteri besar, said on Wednesday that the party would not condemn any statement by DAP members against Islam as the party (DAP) was not an Islamic party.
Responding, Muhyiddin said that insulting a person's religion, be it from a Muslim or a non-Muslim party, should not be occurring in the first place.
"We in Malaysia have been living in peace and harmony the past 52 years as each and every citizen, regardless of his race, religion and background, respects each other in terms of his religious beliefs and culture. If a Muslim insults a Christian, we tell them to stop it and not to repeat it. We have lived united as Malaysians since independence and we do not want chaos in the country.
"If Nik Aziz's 'fatwa' (decree) is applied in the country… Malaysia will be destroyed," he said after launching the 2009 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day celebration at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, here, yesterday.
"If we look at things, it is the Barisan Nasional, especially Umno which is championing Islam and not Pas as all that the party (Pas) wants is the support from its partners in Pakatan Rakyat.
"This is wrong as Islam should not be used for political gain. If Pas wants to be popular and get the support of the people, it should not be at the expense of Islam or any other religion. This is a matter of dignity and pride and we should defend it and not condone any insults to the religion.
"We should at least tell those who had insulted Islam not to repeat it and warn them that what they did is wrong," said Muhyiddin, who is also Umno deputy president.
In Kota Baru, Bernama reports that the Kelantan Umno Veterans Council has found Nik Aziz's stance to be inconsistent and driven by political interest.
Its chairman Datuk Mohd Rozali Isohak said his remarks were inconsistent with his previous statements which indicated that those who insulted Islam should be opposed.
"I don't understand the Tok Guru's (Nik Aziz's) stance now. His comments of late have been spontaneous and inconsistent, confusing and embarrassing to Muslims," he said.
The Kelantan menteri besar had also blamed the attitude of certain Muslim leaders who did not adhere to Islamic teachings, thus threatening its sanctity.
Rozali, who is a former Kelantan deputy menteri besar, said Pas' refusal to cooperate with Umno in setting up a unity government stemmed from Nik Aziz's own attitude of regarding Umno as haram (forbidden by religion).
"Even having a discussion with Umno is deemed haram by Tok Guru, but anything goes with the DAP. I pray to God that Nik Aziz is shown the right path as he seems to be placing political interest above religion."
