PAS: Ustaz’s ‘curry powder’ views not reflection of party stance

(The Star) – PAS has distanced itself from a speech made by Islamic leader Ustaz Shahul Hamid Seeni Muhammad, calling it a personal opinion not a reflection of the party’s stance.

National unity bureau chairman Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa confirmed Thursday that Shahul Hamid was a member of PAS but warned that the issue was a very sensitive one which could trigger disharmony.

“We want to shape a harmonious community and this applies to all, Muslims and non-Muslims.

“We shouldn’t drag this issue out any further,” he told reporters at the Bandar Perda mosque here.

Dr Mujahid said he had contact Shahul Hamid with the latter expressing his willingness to apologise over the issue.

“If the person himself has already said he will apologise, then people should not manipulate the matter any further.

“I too, may have made mistakes during my ceramah, so I go back to my Islamic principles, and this applies to all preachers,” he said.

Asked whether action would be taken against Shahul Hamid, Dr Muhahid said he was not in a position to recommend any disciplinary action but that the party would be informed at its meeting on Aug 10.

“For me, I consider the issue resolved after he has apologises.

“I’ve told him (Shahul Him) that as an ustaz, you can talk about the good things about Islam, but don’t curse other (religions),” he said.

A video clip of Shahul Hamid’s speech which he is alleged to have made during a ceramah at a surau in Shah Alam five years ago has gone viral. In the video, he is seen telling Muslims not to buy curry powder products from what he deemed as “Hindu” companies like Baba’s and Alagappa’s.

He also made fun of a dishti bomma, a squarish metal plate with the face of a “fearsome demon” on it placed at the entrance of the Alagappa Flour Mills near Permatang Pauh.