SHAH ALAM - Umno Ulama Council executive secretary Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali has said that the phrase "voting for other parties is a ticket to hell" is a divisive statement that contradicts the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
He said that this statement is based on the false premise that Muslims who vote for other parties are automatically kafir (non-believers).
"This is not only untrue, but it is also harmful to the unity of the Muslim community," he said in a Facebook post on earlier today.
Khairuddin explained that voting is a right that is granted to Muslims in modern democratic countries.
"It is a way for Muslims to choose their leaders and to ensure that their voices are heard," he added.
He said that the intention of voting is to choose a representative who will uphold the trust of the people, spread virtue, and uphold justice.
"If a candidate chosen goes astray and commits injustice, his sins are borne by himself and have nothing to do with the voters," he said.
Khairuddin urged Muslims not to be influenced by this dangerous and divisive statement.
He said that the people should vote for the candidate who they believe will best represent their interests and uphold the values of Islam.