Johor ruler’s right to comment on breaking-of-fast event, say Pakatan leaders

Mohd Farhan Darwis Mohd Farhan Darwis Updated 7 years ago · Published on 2 Jun 2019 7:44PM · 7 Comments

Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang says good advice should be accepted, even if it comes from a political 'enemy'. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 2, 2019.

SULTAN Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, as head of Islamic affairs in Johor, has every right to comment on the breaking-of-fast event held at a Sikh temple this week, said state Pakatan Harapan leaders.

They said there are different opinions on the matter among Muslim scholars, but what is certain is that no offence is committed so long as religious rules are respected.

“The sultan has the right (to comment) as he is the head of religious affairs in the state. We accept and heed his advice. Whatever is good for us, we will accept,” said state Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang.

“As human beings, we have to be open. If it is good advice, we will accept it, even if it comes from a political ‘enemy’.”

The Puteri Wangsa rep added that even if a piece of advice is “not entirely correct”, it should be respected so as to “avoid misunderstanding”.

“If we feel that it is not right, we should still respect it and not create further problems. When I was dropped from the state exco line-up, I kept quiet, no problem.”

Sultan Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, rebuked Johor Baru MP Akmal Nasir for holding the breaking-of-fast event at the temple on Tuesday.

The ruler warned that Akmal’s action could lead to confusion among Muslims, adding that the MP proceeded with the event despite it having received public opposition.

Akmal previously said the event’s aim was to bring together the different races and religions.

The temple committee chairman, however, said it was not informed about the event, which was said to have been organised by an “ordinary member”.

Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan says even Islamic scholars hold different views. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 2, 2019.

Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said the matter can be viewed from multiple perspectives.

“Everyone can come up with an opinion. Many have quoted Islamic scholars, but even among scholars, there are different views.

“For me, it is up to the individual, as along as it doesn’t go against Islamic teachings.”

He said promoting unity among the races is key, but cautioned that new approaches to “bring Islam closer to the community” will likely get a mixed response.

“There is a limited understanding of these new approaches. For example, in political parties, we have non-Muslim members who want to celebrate with us.

“It was just to break fast, not hold prayers.”

Recently, the Johor ruler criticised DAP’s Pang Hok Liong for giving a speech at a mosque during a Ramadan programme.

Mazlan played down rumours that Sultan Ibrahim is not in favour of PH leaders.

“That is just perception. If we look at things positively, they will be positive.

“Politicians have to take care of their parties. Others don’t.”

Aminolhuda said a party may move differently from others in efforts to forge a closer bond with the people.

“Our approach may be different from others. We respect others’ views.

“What is important is, we must ensure stability and harmony. As long as it doesn’t cause racial tensions, any programme can be held.”

Attempts by The Malaysian Insight to reach Akmal for comment have been unsuccessful. – June 2, 2019.

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Comments

  • This Bersatu fool is advocating blind loyalty which is anathema in a true democracy. Too many fanatics in Bersatu lah!

    Posted 7 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Yes, he has rights. But check first before "rebuke".

    Posted 7 years ago by Awang Bilis · Reply

  • Rebuke and comment have different meaning. Go back to school

    Posted 7 years ago by Kf leong · Reply

  • The history of religions in the world will show that there some religions which nobody hears about them today, though they were linked with civilisations and empires of those days. What happened? Failure to adept to progress and changes. Who will continue to support any idea that does not conform to the norms of progress? Exclusive living is a luxury of the rich which only lasts as long as one has the means. This forbidding of sharing religious joys and events has a very natural sentimental human value linked with blood and family. My spouse is from a non Muslim family. You cannot restrict members of a family from participating in one another's festivities..

    Posted 7 years ago by Citizen Pencen · Reply

  • While the man in yellow has the right to comment the people also has the right to respond to his insensitive statements which is not supported by facts but by his own fear or by his lack of understanding of his own faith.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • A leader must have his facts correct before advising. Blindly following just because he is a leader is out of favour now.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lipdah Lia · Reply

  • This Mazlan Bujang is short-sighted and not able to think of a bigger picture for his religion & country. Most suited to buttering and angkat kaki and a real & true politician!

    Posted 7 years ago by Amigo sabah · Reply