Do not use Islam for politics - MPM

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.