MUFTIS should not be slandered and used for political gain, Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali said tonight, hours after Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad blamed them for failing to prevent the Memali tragedy.

Azmin, who is PKR deputy president, did not name Dr Mahathir, but his tweets came after the former prime minister delivered his winding-up speech at Bersatu’s inaugural annual general meeting.

“It is not right for any individual to degrade and humiliate muftis for political interests. We can have different views, but don’t disgrace others.

“Slandering muftis is an action that is overboard. Repent fully and don’t do this again. Stop the play-acting.”

Dr Mahathir earlier today said the 1985 Memali tragedy would not have happened if muftis had challenged the Amanat Hadi, a speech by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in 1981 that allegedly incited PAS supporters to oppose Umno and Barisan Nasional with violence.

The incident, which saw civilians and policemen killed, took place while Dr Mahathir was prime minister.

Dr Mahathir said muftis seemed to agree with Hadi’s speech as they did not speak up against him.

“If muftis agree (with Hadi’s speech), and they don’t join PAS, then they, too, are infidels, and those who are advised by muftis are also infidels.

“What we saw in the Memali tragedy was Ibrahim Libya’s followers killing police because they were infidels for working for an infidel government.

“That is what happens when an edict comes from a politician, and muftis do not address it.” – December 30, 2017.