Perak Mufti: It's 'haram' to topple the government

The Mufti of Perak Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria said the act of toppling the government is haram (forbidden) because it is not found in Islamic teachings. He said Muslims must find the best way to resolve any problem.

"It is mandatory for Muslims to advise the government if there are elements of injustice in its administration.

"And this we have done. We have set up an ulama umarak (leaders or rulers) organisation comprising the Prime Minister, Ministers and the ulama (mufti) which meets every three month.

"During the meeting we will give our views and advice. Whether the views are followed or not, is their (government’s) problem. We tell them (the government) on what should and should not be done," he told a media conference after opening the D'Asnaf Restaurant here, Thursday.

Harussani said, at the outset, the members of the government including ministers and executive council members, had taken an oath to carry out their duties as per the constitution.

He said the pledge, which was uttered three times in the name of Allah, was something which must be implemented.

“The constitution says Islam is the national religion. They (members of the government) must look after and safeguard the Islamic religion. If they break the oath, it means they are cursed by Allah.

“When we swear to an oath, we must carry it out, so long as it does not flout Islam. An oath should be done away with, if it is swearing to do something that goes against Islam,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the use of electronic cigarettes or vape, Harussani said, although no decree was issued by the National fatwa Council, reports suggest that the electronic cigarette was hazardous to health.