MCA, Umno criticise Penang Muslim group’s ‘buka puasa’ protest
Umno minister says protest and demands made by Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang yesterday is wrong as it puts Muslims in a bad light.
He said that Malaysians have had enough nonsense by “extreme” movements, who are acting against national interests.
“The nation has been divided and the people are jaded with extreme movements that camouflage themselves by acting virtuous and noble.
“If Guan Eng has done a wrong, just say it and report it. Let the due process of the law take place, but don’t justify one wrong with another,” Ti told FMT, referring to Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang warning the Penang CM from attending “buka puasa”(breaking of fast) gatherings, unless he converted to Islam.
He added that NGOs or movements, such as Jaringan, should not dictate to authorities or any institution on the basis of their personal convictions.
Jaringan chairman Mohd Hafiz Noordin had accused Lim and his state executive council of interfering in the issuance of fatwas (religious decrees for Muslims), and told the CM not to join “buka puasa” gatherings during Ramadan, which starts today.
Noordin said that if the DAP secretary-general wanted to break fast with Muslims during Ramadan, he should convert to Islam.
“We do not want a kafir (non-believer) from DAP to lead the state. We want Guan Eng to not attend buka puasa functions.
“You don’t need to buka puasa because you are anti-Islam. If you want to buka puasa, then please ‘masuk’ Islam,” Hafiz said, addressing some 50 protesters outside the Simpang Enam mosque at Macalister Road after Friday prayers yesterday.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz told FMT that it was wrong for the movement to use religion to further their political motives.
“I think this people have gone beyond the limit. There is no such thing,” he said referring to the protest and demands made by Jaringan.
“I think it is wrong, they are putting Muslims in a bad light. It is their way, it is not the Muslim way.”
He added that there was nothing wrong with a non-Muslim joining their Muslim friends in breaking fast.
Selangor Gerakan Youth vice-chairman Ivanpal Grewal Singh said that although he disagrees with Guan Eng on most issues, he does not agree with barring him from “buka puasa” gatherings.
“There are more constructive ways to voice unhappiness with his decisions.
“Such gatherings foster greater understanding and they should take the opportunity to share their views with him,” Ivanpal said, on how Muslim groups could approach any grouse they have with the Penang CM.
Protesters tell Guan Eng to skip ‘buka puasa’ events
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