The Dewan Rakyat erupted into chaos today after Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail lamented about the political ‘distortion’ of Islam in politics.
In what appears to be a veiled reference to PAS, Saifuddin said that politics should be separated from race and religion and instead focus on policies and ideologies.
He cited examples of politicians championing Islam to draw in voters – supporting them would equate to supporting Islam, and opposing them would mean opposing the religion.
“We cannot continue with that. Islam is a religion of peace, of love, that hopes we respect one another.
“It is a beautiful religion but due to the involvement of politics, its teachings are distorted,” Saifuddin told the lower house.
This led to PAS lawmaker Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) interjecting, accusing Saifuddin of “fitnah” (slander) and “cakap benda mengarut” (talking nonsense).
Zulfikfi said that Saifuddin had bad intentions by issuing such a statement, and was acting out of line from his duties as a minister.
“As a minister, you should be giving ideas and ways to solve issues such as the economic crisis, education, culture, and social (aspects). Not issuing statements that attempt to worsen the clash between parties,” he said.
Saifuddin repeatedly questioned how he had done so by merely stating that Islam was a beautiful, peaceful religion that taught everyone to respect one another.
Jasin responded with, “It is wrong when it has elements of slander and ill intentions.” – Malaysiakini