KUALA TERENGGANU: A senior politician is questioning the motives of the organisers of a mass rally on Dec 8, as it goes against the advice of the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the mufti of Kelantan.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Senator Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said Pas and Umno leaders, who were behind the rally against the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), should respect the wishes of Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah and Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad.
“These two are the leaders of Islam in their states and the country, and their views are strongly adhered to in Malay society, especially among the Malay and Muslim majority in Kelantan and Terengganu,” said Raja Kamarul Bahrin, who is also the chairman of Terengganu Parti Amanah Negara.
“A mufti’s advice and views are accepted and followed by the sultans and rulers.
“Several days after the Kelantan mufti’s statement to preserve peace and public order, Sultan Nazrin gave a speech that appeared in sync with that of the former.
“In his speech (at Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah), his majesty expressed (his wish) not to sow hatred and animosity among the people of various races and religions in the country.
“The ruler also said there were politicians who sought revenge.”
Raja Kamarul Bahrin said the rally involved high security risks and appeared to be intended to promote the interests of the two political parties, instead of respecting and preserving the institution of Malay rulers and Islam.
“The Pakatan Harapan-led Federal Government has already made its stand that it will not ratify ICERD,” said Raja Kamarul Bahrin.
“Thus, the rally will only invite an environment and avenue for something untoward to happen, which can threaten security and public order.”
He also ticked off Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah for supporting the rally, as it involved against the advice of his own state’s mufti, who was appointed by the Sultan of Kelantan, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.
“How is it that Mohd Amar’s own Pas party, that upholds the leadership of ulama and Islam, is not respecting and obeying the Kelantan mufti who was appointed by the sultan?”
He also slammed top Pas leaders, including its president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who had said that the rally was intended to “teach the ministers” of the Pakatan Harapan government.
“Are they playing politics to seek public influence?” asked Raja Kamarul Bahrin.
“How is it there was no such objection during Barisan Nasional’s rule when there was reportedly misappropriation of Tabung Haji funds by its chairman, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, and its chief executive officer, Tan Sri Ismee Ismail?
“Many former Tabung Haji officials are now being charged in court for misusing the money of Muslims and Malays,” he said.