'Political fatwa' raises misunderstandings, tarnishes Islam - Na'im
PUTRAJAYA - The acts of Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin releasing a statement that it is a sin to vote for the opponent can raise misunderstandings in the community and tarnish the purity of Islamic teachings.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stated he was concerned with the actions of some parties who issued such statements that punish groups who were not in line with their political groups.
"Malaysia generally connects the term haram with Islamic law which is the law of tolerance (in Islam) that promises good deeds to those obeying it and sins to those disobeying it," he said in a statement on Monday.
He said as the body given the trust to care and preserve Islam's purity, he was concerned to release such words without any discipline.
"The situation will incite serious segregation and it could affect national security," he said.
He explained Malaysia had the authorities capable of releasing such views of verdicts or fatwa on any matter.
"I hope we can all respect the authorities and will not be influenced by such verdicts released for political purposes," he said.
Na'im urged all those involved in the by-election to compete in a healthy manner by presenting thoughts and ideas to develop the public in addition to stopping campaigns touching on religious and racial statements.
"With this, I urge all parties to be responsible for respecting Islam's purity, care for public peace and unity of several races and religions in our beloved nation," he said.
Muhyiddin on Sunday stated it was haram for individuals to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) Suhaizan Kayat in the Pulai Parliamentary by-election.
He claimed the action was out of rejection and anger of Pulai Parliament voters following the unity government's lack of aiding the public in times of need.
