SHAH ALAM: Pas’ Paya Jaras assemblyman Mohd Khairuddin Othman has apologised for wearing what he thought was a Chinese emperor costume at a Chinese New Year celebration held in Wangsa Permai, yesterday.
In a Facebook statement, he explained that he was not aware the clothes he wore resembled one of the Taoist eight immortals.
Khairuddin, who is also the Selangor Pas secretary, said it was only later that he found out about the gaffe, after residents of Wangsa Permai informed him.
“I thought Chinese New Year was a cultural celebration and did not expect it (the costume) had to do with religion. I leave the decision making (about whether action should be taken against me) to the Syura Council and will accept whatever decision made by the council,” he said.
In a statement, council deputy chief Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salle said, though the incident was disappointing, he did not feel that Khairuddin’s actions went against Islamic teachings.
He advised all Pas members to be more courteous, understanding and sensitive, especially in matters involving religion.