Ex-Perlis mufti disappointed with DAP
Ex-Perlis mufti expresses disappointment in DAP following its leader’s call for Islamic Civilization to be made an elective subject.
Lisa J. Ariffin, FMT
Former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has expressed disappointment in DAP after a party leader called for Islamic Civilization to be made an elective subject.
Mohd Asri was referring to Seremban MP Anthony Loke Siew Fook’s statement on Sunday that Islamic Civilization (Tamadun Islam) should be made an elective subject instead of a compulsory subject.
Mohd Asri said there was nothing wrong in making the subject compulsory as it was not “calling non-Muslims to accept Islam as their religion”.
“I have always tried to harmonise the relations among Muslims and non-Muslims. I have always given DAP good interpretation of their statements,” he told FMT.
“But this time it is very obvious that DAP had become very rigid whenever the word ‘Islam’ is used. It (the subject) is just general information about Islam, why are they reacting in this manner?”
Mohd Asri said the subject “does not affect any peace” among the people, therefore he did not “understand why DAP would be against it?”
“The subject has been compulsory over the years. Why the sudden need to raise the issue?” he asked.
“It gives the impression that they are anti-anything related to Islam. This creates a negative perception towards them,” he said.
He explained that Islamic Civilization should be made compulsory as “Islam is the religion of the majority in Malaysia”, thus it was wise for people to know about (the subject).
“It is very general about Islam… about its history and background. That is all. I don’t see it as big issue here,” he further stressed.
He likened Islamic Civilization to Bahasa Melayu, which is widely used in the country. Therefore, there is nothing wrong for non-Muslim students to understand the country’s main religion.
“There are also other subjects that are compulsory for students. Why are they not against them (subjects)?”
