Stop bringing up 'azan' issues during state election - Fadhlina

SHAH ALAM - Nibong Tebal MP Fadhlina Sidek has called on Opposition parties to stop bringing up the azan issue during state elections.

Fadhlina said that there are many other important issues that need to be discussed, such as the economy and education.

"Every state election, the issue of azan always arises when it comes to Penang.

"Why can't they debate the economy or other issues in Penang? There are many other ideas and issues to discuss during the state election," she said in the Malaysia Diambang PRN 2023 programme in Menara Dato' Onn today.

Fadhlina, who is also PH Wanita deputy chief, said that politics is a set of beliefs, and that when people have different views, they should not be labeled as "kafir" (disbeliever).

"We need to respect each other's views, even if we disagree. We should not use religion to divide people," she said.

In a related matter, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that the "fire" of hatred in politics needs to be cooled down, as it could hurt Malaysians.

"The hatred among politicians must be controlled, because such hatred is often used as a shortcut and tactic in politics," she said.

Azalina said that the government is working on a new law that would address the issue of hatred in politics.

"We want to create a more conducive environment for political discourse, where people can disagree without resorting to hatred," she said.