Top clerics clash over Perak crisis
(The Malaysian Insider) – Two of the country’s most respected religious figures are on collision course over the political crisis in Perak – the clearest evidence of how polarising politics can become in Malaysia.
Several days ago, Perak Mufti Dato’ Seri Harussani Zakaria issued a statement saying that anyone who refused to show loyalty to the monarch or who did not accept the decision of a ruler of the state was guilty of treason. He justified his statement by referring to several verses in the Quran.
His statement was interpreted as a criticism of the defiance shown by Pakatan Rakyat state government led by Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin. Nizar has refused to accept a decision by Sultan Azlan Shah telling him to stand down in favour of Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir.
This controversial decision by the palace was made after three Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers became independents, effectively vapourising Pakatan Rakyat’s advantage in the state assembly.
Harussani, one of the most conservative religious leaders here, also condemned supporters of Pakatan Rakyat who demonstrated and clashed with police on Friday, the day the new Barisan Nasional government was being sworn-in.
Today, the Perak mufti was ticked off by Dato' Haron Din, a senior Parti Islam SeMalaysia (Pas) leader and respected religious scholar.
He said that religious people should always be guided by Islam in issuing statements and should not be quick to make politically-laced comments.
He said that Harussani’s statement would only cause more confusion among the public since clerics hold an esteemed position in society.
“The Mufti of Perak has given his opinion but there has not been a case before where the mufti supported any political party. As someone who has been given the responsibility of safeguarding the interest of religion, the Mufti should not enter the political arena, ‘‘ he said.
Haron noted that Islamic history tells of the famous religious scholar Izzuddin Abdul Salam being made persona non grata by a sultan even though he spoke the truth.
This was the type of bravery which was needed now in the world, he added.
“Only credible ulamaks are brave enough to speak the truth when they face all sorts of uncertainties, “he said.
