‘Make Sunni Islam official religion’

 

(NST) – The Home Ministry will be referring the suggestion to insert the Sunnah wal Jamaah (Sunni) word for Islam in the Federal Constitution to curb the spread of deviant teachings in the country.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said he would forward the motion to the government for discussion to weed out the threat of deviant movements.

“The move might be necessary to protect the sanctity of the teaching of Sunnah wal Jamaah and to stop the spread of other teachings in the country,” he said in response to a proposal by Penang Umno delegate Datuk Shabudin Yahaya in his Islamic and education motion yesterday.

The Tasek Gelugor Umno division chief was supporting the call by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Shabudin said the move was necessary to weed out deviant teachings disguised under the Islamic religion, such as Shia, which were becoming more widespread within the country.

He proposed the government establish a commission to safeguard the interests of Islam and the rights of Muslims.

“It is crucial for the government to set up a commission to supervise, manage and handle the interests of Muslims and address threats to Islam as the country’s main religion.”

Puteri wing delegate Isfarina Mohd Bali from Ipoh Barat stressed on moderation, a value which Islam emphasised in many aspects of a Muslim’s life.

She said the country and the party must take a firm stand in facing threats that might endanger the sanctity of Islam.

“We have to stand united in defending the faith. We also have to fortify and improve existing syariah laws, judicial facilities and Islamic institutions,” said Isfarina, who seconded the motion.

She said non-governmental organisations should also come together to defend Islam.

Isfarina then called for religious education to be given throughout the life of a Muslim.

“I cannot stress how important religious education for Muslims is, as without faith, there will be no guidance or direction.”

Bernama, meanwhile, reported that Kelantan Puteri Umno leader Norwahidah Patuan had proposed setting up a counselling house to help abused children and women with domestic problems.

Besides counselling services, she said, motivational talks and religious education could also be arranged for participants.

“Puteri should be on the front line on issues of abused children and women, as well as marital problems and social problems among teenagers.”

Norwahida, who is also Jeli Puteri Umno leader, said when addressing social problems, the movement should not only focus on the victims, but also the victim’s family members. For this purpose, she said Puteri Umno should set up a secretariat in Kuala Lumpur.

She also proposed the setting-up of a political academy to mould young people into credible and great leaders, who are capable of understanding and pursuing Umno’s aspirations.