DPM urges National Fatwa Council to study statements on Islam by Nik Aziz

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Nik Aziz should stop saying that prayers by Umno members did not receive pahala (divine merits) and Barisan Nasional (BN) build mosques because of contracts.

"This is because such statements can create confusion among society, much more so during general election," he told reporters after presenting SPM School Excellence Award 2012 at Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi, Gombak, here today.

"I believe that if all statements made by Nik Aziz are referred to the National Fatwa Council, all will be rejected. He can't be allowed to go on.

"The National Fatwa Council chairman must advise Nik Aziz because his statements can lead Muslims astray."

Muhyiddin who is also Umno deputy president said such statements were unbecoming of the Kelantan Menteri Besar whom many regarded as ulama (Muslim scholar).

"If the statements were made by non-Muslims, we can understand but to hear them coming from Nik Aziz make them more political than religion," he added.

The Ulama Pondok Conference in Kedah yesterday declared that it was haram(forbidden) for Muslims to vote for PAS and PKR candidates in the general election.

This was because the two parties supported religious pluralism, including allowing the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims.