'Even as the PM, Anwar's responsibility as a Muslim does not end' - KJ

SHAH ALAM - Former Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar defended the act of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who recently converted a new brother to Islam.

He said that being a Prime Minister did not put an end to Anwar carrying out his responsibility as a Muslim.

According to him, the matter had been consulted with former Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri who confirmed that Anwar's action was nothing wrong.

"Any Muslim can convert a new brother to Islam... can help a new brother say the two vows of shahadah. I had refered the matter to Ustaz Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

"I asked if any Muslim can convert people who want to embrace Islam... he said any of them can.

"In fact, it is our responsibility as Muslims if that person wants to convert to Islam without coercion... we utter the two vows of shahadah together with him...he (Zulkifli) said then after they can register with the relevant state religious department," he shared on today's episode of the 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast.

He pointed it out in response to various reactions on social media with regards to Anwar's action including those who perceive it as Anwar's attempt to build a 3R narrative to gain the support of the Malays especially after the recent state polls.

Khairy also stressed that the people have the right to criticise Anwar on any matter, but not on Islam.

"You can criticise PMX about other things, but not this.

"Even if people were to say things about me, I would pronounce the shahadah with him," he said.

Former Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan also agreed with him.

"Whatever people's opinions are, Malaysia is not an entirely secular country. We have Islam as the federal religion, the Yang Dipertuan Agong is also the head of Islam.

"So there are things to ensure that Islam is being empowered," he said.

Last Friday, Anwar reportedly taught the shahadah to a man who wished to convert to Islam.

It took place at the Ar-Rahimiah Mosque, Klang after he performed Friday prayers with residents of the area.