The Malay Consultative Council (MPM) today warned Muslim political leaders in the country against using Islam for their political interests.
Its secretary-general, Dr Hasan Mad, issued the warning following the issue on the use of the word "Allah" which was being played up by the opposition, which he said, could create a polemic that could split the Muslim community and tarnish the sanctity of Islam.
"MPM views seriously the action by some leaders who politicise this highly sensitive issue, what more when the demand to use the word Allah is made by a non-Muslim leader and not an authority on religious matters.
"Worse still, the issue is becoming hot and can irk Muslims in the country when it is supported by a Muslim political leader who claimed to be an ulama," he told a media conference here on Friday.
Recently, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was reported to have brought up the issue on the word Allah by urging the federal government to allow the Christians to use the word in the Malay version of the Bible.
MPM is a caucus of more than 280 Malay, Islamic and bumiputera non-governmental organisations, involving more than 3.5 million members.
To a question on PAS labelling itself as a party which champions Islam, but is seen to have failed to control or advise its ally, DAP, to not play up the issue, Hassan likened the situation to a wrestling competition which had no referee.
"In this competition, the wrestler will do anything to win, including to hit below the belt.
"We see the DAP as the leading party in the opposition pact, but it needs PAS to get the support of the Muslims.
"PAS, on the other hand, needs DAP's strength to get political support, so Islam is used as an exchange for the support," he added.
He said the question on whether DAP was using PAS, or vice versa, was not an issue, but the issue on the word Allah had a major implication on Muslims.
Asked whether the Council of Rulers should intervene to end the issue, he said there was no need for this as the matter concerned political conflict.
"This is an issue which has been politicised for the political interests of certain quarters.
"It is feared that with interference from the Council of rulers, the rulers will also be dragged by this irresponsible quarters," he added.
Bernama
Fri Jan 11 2013
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.