Speaking to reporters today, spokesperson Yusri Mohamad (left) said this is particularly in relation to recent developments in Islam-Christian affairs.
Specifically, he cited the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang and the ‘pseudo-appointment’ of Christian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Idris Jala to handle issues pertaining the Malay-language Bible as threatening Islam’s position as the official religion.
He claimed there is no provision in the federal constitution for any official non-Muslim affairs body, and that making Idris the go-to minister for Christian affairs is thus unconstitutional.
“There is a (threat). These sorts of threats come in seasons but now have become more serious and are putting a lot of pressure on the way we deal with issues pertaining to Islam,” he said.
“Islam is the official religion and is a pillar of our nation, but attempts are being made to make its position equal to other religions.
“Followers of other religions are portrayed as marginalised and oppressed…Islam and Muslims are dressed in an ugly mask and is made to seem guilty so that they give in (to demands).”
The fact that Idris was appointed to handle the Al Kitab issue was also wrong, he said, since Idris cannot be said to be non-partisan because he is Christian.
Full story here.
The claim by Pembela that Islam is under siege is so outrageous that I am almost rendered speechless! Almost.
I don’t know what it is with people like Yusri Mohamad. He claims he knows the Constitution, yet in the same breath he conveniently leaves out the fact that non-Muslim Malaysians are free to practise their religion in peace and harmony! That fact is clearly stated in the Constitution, in black and white!
Furthermore, the Constitution states that “every religious group has the right to manage its own religious affairs.” And yet, here we have groups like Perkasa, complaining and harassing Christians and telling them what words they can or cannot use, what language Bible they are allowed or not allowed to use, where they are allowed or not allowed to build their houses of worship …. Now who is under siege?!
No Malaysian denies the fact Islam is the religion of the federation – all non-Muslims want is they be allowed to practise and manage their faiths as they see fit without others who are not of their faiths telling them what they can or cannot do! What is so difficult to understand with that?!
It is ridiculous to argue about Idris Jala being the person that deals with the Christians on the Al Kitab impasse. Does Yusri Mohamad expect a Muslim person, from the Muslim affairs Department maybe, would do a better job? How is it that he is okay with a Muslim telling Christians what they can or cannot do, and accepts that the Muslim is going to be non-partisan? But a Christian minister talking on behalf of the government to Christians is partisan? It just goes to show how confused and convoluted his argument gets.
It is simply absurd that 10% of Christians in Malaysia can cause the 60.4% Muslims in the country to be under siege! Especially with their Muslim special status and rights accorded to them, in writing no less!
Macam sik ada kerja, endang suka molah pasal!
Reference:
Malaysian Constitution