‘Okay to disagree with King’

ARCHIVES 2013

By admin-s On Jun 18, 2013

“Whoever believes the statements and actions of the King and his kin cannot be disputed, that means he has made a human being a God”

(FMT) – While openly disagreeing with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is permissible, there is a limit to it, says ex-mufti.

Openly disagreeing with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and royal family is permissible but criticisms have to be constructive and polite, a former mufti said today.

Ex-Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said today it was not wrong to disagree with the King and kin, as they are “not Allah and the prophet (Muhammad), but human beings like the rest of us”.

Mohd Asri’s statement follows numerous reports of individuals being arrested for seditious remarks against the king Tuanku Abdul
Halim Mu’adzam Shah. However, he stressed that comments and criticisms had to be polite and respectful.

“I am a free man. I may give an opinion that is different from them, but that does not mean I do not respect them. I respect them as a
ruler, but they are not Allah and rasul (prophet),” Mohd Asri told FMT.

He explained his need to clarify the issue as he claimed both Muslims and non-Muslims alike believe Islam forbids its followers to speak out against the King.

“I am performing my role as a scholar. I do not want to intervene politically, but want to give the right opinion on Islam so that people do not misunderstand,” he said.

“Only Allah and His book (the Holy Quran) are free from criticism. Even the prophet Muhammad was faced with open criticisms and differences in opinion during his lifetime unless delivering His divine messages.