PUTRAJAYA - Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has defended her actions in demanding RM500,000 from Jasin Member of Parliament Zulkifli Ismail and a news portal for alleged defamation.
She said that until now there have been no efforts to apologise or clarify the truth regarding the alleged prohibition of takbir and the recitation of Qunut Nazilah (a supplication for Allah's protection from harm that is offered in prayers at times of calamity) in conjunction with the recent Palestine Solidarity Week in schools.
"Even though a lot of people have been harping on the same issue, we are suing the member of Parliament (Zulkifli). Why? "Because he has a platform to ask questions in Parliament, instead he goes around spreading negative sentiments outside," she said in a statement on Wednesday.
Fadhlina said the ministry had issued a circular earlier, and it was clear that there was no directive prohibiting the takbir and the recitation of Qunut Nazilah.
"Although it has been explained many times that the Education Ministry has not issued any directives to stop the takbir and Qunut Nazilah in schools, this slander continues to spread," she said.
As a Muslim, Fadhline said she knows the best situation for Muslims, and openly labelling her as a hypocrite is an inappropriate act.
"I myself went down to participate in the programme, which clearly recited the takbir, and we read Qunut Nazilah.
"It is clear that the accusation is quite serious, and it is very irresponsible to question my religious values," she said.
Fadhlina, who is also a Member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal, said that the local political culture of defamation is dangerous and capable of damaging the nation.
"We need to be constructive in politics and set a good example for the next generation," she said.
Earlier, Fadhlina, through Firma Ibrahim & Fuaadah, demanded Zulkifli and Harakah Daily retract the article within 48 hours in addition to making an unconditional apology.