GEORGE TOWN: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's reminder to the people not to turn religious issues into polemics and a source of political disputes must be respected and obeyed by all, especially the leaders of political parties.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said the King's reminder was born out of realisation about how important it was to maintain the purity of Islam in addition to maintaining harmony  among the diverse races.

"As someone who has been involved in fatwas for almost a decade, I would like to remind all parties not to drag religion into the political arena.

''This is so that the image of Islam is not tarnished because it is associated with political views that may be wrong due to human weaknesses,'' he said today.

Speaking in conjunction with his official birthday recently, the King reminded the people not to turn religious issues into polemics and a source of political disputes.

He had also called on all parties to respect the position of Islam as the religion of the federation and the position of the Sultan as the head of the religion, as stated in the Federal Constitution.

The King also urged all quarters to cast away any rhetorical agendas in order to help steer the country towards a better future.

Elaborating, Wan Salim said, while it was true that politics could not be separated from Islam, the politics meant here were efforts to implement justice, welfare and prosperity through the government for the benefit of the people.

"This also includes efforts to eradicate poverty and the fight against corruption and abuse of power for personal benefit, family and relatives.

''From another point of view, the democratic system in the government is not only marked in the form of free elections, but it must be translated into an effort to respect the rights of all citizens, including the minorities,'' he added.

Wan Salim said Islam must be seen as bigger than a political party or any organisation established by humans.

"Islam is a sacred divine mission while political parties are human creations that are prone to weaknesses and shortcomings.

"Muslims are obliged to adhere to the principles of Islam, but they are required to choose any party to follow. 

"A Muslim who refuses to obey any of the pillars of Islam is a sinner, but not voting for a certain party is not wrong in Islam," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/917034/penang-mufti-says-agongs-reminder-must-be-respected-obeyed-all