Friday 16 November 2012

Pahang Sultan expresses disappointment over freedom of religion statement

KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, has expressed his disappointment and sadness over a statement by an Opposition party leader relating to the freedom of religion of Malaysians, including the Malays.

Describing the statement as nonsense and illogical, he said the party concerned was too vocal in its discussion on religious matters without considering its effect on society, especially the Muslims.

“As the leader of the Islamic religion and Ruler in Pahang, I'm saddened and disappointed with the statement. I advise people not to listen to such talk,” he told reporters after the state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations here yesterday.

Such matters should be left to the Islamic religious councils, who were better informed, he said.

On Nov 3, a pro-Opposition news portal had reported PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar as allegedly saying that freedom of religion should be for Muslims as well.

She had allegedly made the remarks while replying to a question at a forum on the Islamic state in Selangor early this month.

Pahang mufti Datuk Abdul Rah-man Osman advised Muslims to be careful with such parties and statements, adding that these could lead to the eventual deviation and destruction of the Islamic faith.

In KUALA LUMPUR, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said PAS was in a political trap with PKR, forcing it to agree with Nurul Izzah despite being aware that her statement had deviated from Islamic teachings.

“Her statement and opinion are very dangerous. It can lead to confusion and deviate the Islamic faith.

“I believe many PAS leaders and members personally do not agree with Nurul Izzah's view. But they're trapped and are willing to sacrifice their true opinions for the sake of politics.

“They have no guts to voice their stance,” she told reporters after visiting babies born on Maal Hijrah at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital here.

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