ALOR STAR: Pokok Sena Umno Youth wing today passed a motion calling for the government to take a stern action against those who questioned or interfere in Islamic affairs with malice intent.
The motion, mooted by its information chief Zaim Abdullah, was passed unanimously by the wing's 425 delegates during its annual meeting at Bangunan Tunku here.
Pointing out that the motion applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, Zaim said it was proposed following series of incidents where certain quarters had disrespected the country's official religion.
Zaim also tabled other motions calling for the government to strengthen the Islamic law and to halt the spreading of deviant teachings among Muslims.
"It is very disappointing to see Islam, which is the federal's official religion, being mistreated and insulted in our own country.
"Being a party which pledged to uphold the rights of the Bumiputera community, Islam and the nation, it is our responsibility to protect the religion from such negative elements.
"In order to do so,we have to strengthen the Islamic law where those who insult the religion should be brought to Syariah court and given heavy punishment to serve as deterrant to others," he said.
Meanwhile, the wing's chief Kamarol Salleh who is also the national Umno Youth exco member, called for the party leadership to pick more young bloods as candidates in the next general election.
He added that priority should also be given to leaders from the division as they are familiar with local voters and domestic issues.
The meeting was opened by the political-secretary to the Finance Minister, Datuk Ghazali Ibrahim.
Ghazali later presented Tokoh Kesatria Pemuda 2017 award to Roskashah Arif Pazilah, 40, for his contributions to the division's youth wing movement.