Nik Aziz needs to withdraw 'Umno is apostate' ruling

Apart from PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's decree 35 years ago which should be withdrawn as it causes disunity among Muslims, the opposition party's spiritual advisor should also withdraw several of his own religious rulings (fatwas).

Umno Information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said this was because several religious rulings made by Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat as Kelantan Menteri Besar especially that Umno was apostate and whoever supported Umno was evil, had bad implications on Malays and Muslims in the country.

"Nik Aziz needs to withdraw his religious rulings which could break up the Malays and Muslims, not only Abdul Hadi should do so (withdraw his decree)," he told reporters after visiting 157 flood victims at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Mulong.

Ahmad said this was in line with the address of the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V yesterday who wanted Muslims to mutually respect each other and avoid prolonged falling-out.

In his speeh at the 100th anniversary of the Kelantan Islamic Religius and Malay Customs Council (MAIK), the Sultan said he that hoped all parties were aware of the high hopes of Muslims towards peace and harmony as well as his disappointment when the energy and strength of Muslims were sapped because of

internal struggles.

The text of his speech was read out by Tengku Mahkota Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumnon-governmental organisation Jati president Datuk Dr Hasan Ali said the PAS president had created negative impacts to the faith and belief of Muslims.

In fact, he said the effect of media exposure on Abdul Hadi's decree only reflected 10 per cent of its real impact on the current Islamic community.

Hasan, who is former PAS vice-president,said he was shocked with media reports on the effects of the message which resulted in prayers with two imams, divorces and family break ups in the Muslim community merely because of different political leanings.