PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu has denied an accusation that he was a follower of Syiah teachings, a 'deviant' movement banned in Malaysia.
Mohamad, or Mat Sabu, was responding to the accusation made earlier today by Home Minister and UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Zahid Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"I am a Muslim and follower of the Sunnah Wal Jama’ah,” said Mat Sabu when contacted by Astro AWANI.
Mat Sabu was contacted after he visited flood victims in Kuantan. He was on his way to the KLIA airport to leave the country.
Zahid’s remark was the first time this allegation against Mat Sabu has been made public, although the rumour has been circulating among PAS and UMNO members as well as political observers for some time.
Right after the 13th General Election, accusations that there were PAS leaders who were secretly Syiah followers surfaced.
However, this was vehemently denied by PAS leaders, who said that a good relationship with Iranian or Islamic movements such as the Hizbullah did not mean its leaders followed the Syiah doctrine.
In his winding up speech at the 2013 UMNO general assembly today, the Home Minister had asked the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia(JAKIM) to take action against Mat Sabu.
“We know who is a Syiah leader in PAS,” said Zahid to the cheers by the delegates, who asked “who? who?”
Zahid then responded with:”We are perplexed as to how PAS can place that leader as the number two of the party.”
"We give full power to Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, in charge of religious affairs) to take action against the PAS number two," he reportedly said.
Mat Sabu was recently re-elected as PAS deputy president, defeating his challenger Datuk Mohd. Amar Nik Abdullah with a slim 98-majority vote.
Zahid also called on PAS to work together with the government to clamp down on the dangers of Syiah teachings, which he claimed was a threat to national security.
He said that this was a national issue that transcended political boundaries.
The Syiah movement was officially banned in a fatwa by the National Fatwa Committee in 1996. It is considered a deviant movement that goes against the tenets of Sunnah wal Jamaah, the dominant Islamic ideology in Malaysia.
The Home Ministry also recently rejected the application for by the Malaysian Syiah Council, which had attempted to register itself under the Registrar of Societies.
Zahid also also warned that the Islamic authorities would take stern action against any of the Shi'ites who perform teaching, including seizure of the premises where the work is done.
"I do not look at this in terms of faith, this comes under Jamil as a minister of religion. I see it in terms of security because we do not want the destruction of the community by their false teaching," he said.
He then proposed the establishment of a commission formed to address heresy to combat not only the teachings of the Shia but of other sects and cults.
Ahmad Zahid also told delegates that the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Medina agreed to the proposal raised at the General Assembly so that the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah are included in the definition of Islam in the Federal Constitution.
Astro Awani
Sat Dec 07 2013
-filepic: Mat Sabu
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
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.