Published below in full is a statement by the MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman.

“Kafir harbi” profiling can lead to frenzy killings; Clerics must not exploit religious authority for politicking

It is regrettable that the Mufti of Pahang ie Mufti Dato' Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Osman should preach or imply that anyone or group of fellow Malaysians can be slain during this holy fasting month of Ramadhan when restraints and refrain should be exercised.

At a time whereby the Police are facing threats by daish, it is highly "unbecoming" of the revered Mufti of a state to increase confusion about Islam and its highly profound and fine teachings.

Simplistic branding or politicking should not be the realms of Muftis whose office is revered with heavy responsibilities.

The said Mufti ought to realise that any statements made by his office ie “DAP (or anyone) is against the implementation of Islamic principles, and therefore falls under the category of “kafir harbi” (Malaysiakini, 24 June 2016) has far reaching consequences.

Moreover his statement is more political than religious.

This is the problem when clerics confuse themselves and cross the line of politicking by using religious authority.

Societal harmony & peace doomed when blood is shed

At a time whereby the Police have been targeted by daish, it is highly irresponsible for the said Mufti to add fuel or confusion on possible wayward followers by implying that anyone's blood is holy or can be spilled.

This is scary.

This can lead to "frenzy killings."

This is a threat to security.

This is not the Islam we all know in Malaysia.

We all grew up in Malaysia with respect for Islam as a religion of peace.

It is highly irresponsible for any individual more so if he is of institutional standing to declare that someone or a group of people's blood are to be or can be spilled.

Where will this advocacy of "blood" end ? Will there be more wayward killings hereafter?

If PAS can label Umno as “Kafir” and today the Pahang Mufti is labelling DAP and others opposed to the PAS Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 as "kafir harbi," , then we are a lost nation.

We should have a law to control or contain or check on such seditious statements.

Let us be reminded that Islam is about peace. Islam is about tolerance. Islam’s emphasis is not on violence or the spilling of someone's blood in Malaysia.

We are not at war. We are a peaceful, harmonious, democratic nation.

The Mufti must be more mindful and taken to task for his statement.

He cannot be invincible.

Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker
MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman
MCA Central Committee Member
MCA Kuantan Division Chairman