Umno Youth has today called on the Selangor government to provide a detailed explanation on what transpired when the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) raided the Damansara Utama Methodist Church last week.
Its chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (right) said the movement was unhappy with the Selangor Pakatan government, which was seen as weak in handling the matter.
"Initially, they are seen to be avoiding or claiming responsibility, saying it (Jais) comes under the purview of the ruler. They also made allegations of a federal government conspiracy in such an action, although such claims were unsubstantiated.
"Such perception changed when the menteri besar said the state government should bear the responsibility and answer for its actions. Following this, I urge MB Khalid Ibrahim not to delay in explaining or trying to hide the matter any further. If he cannot explain, it is better he resigns," Khairy said in a statement.
It is frustrating, Khairy noted, that the Selangor government has attempted to delay or was trying to hide the issue from public domain, with no follow-up action.
The Umno Youth chief said for the movement, such a tactic was truly irresponsible because it involved an issue sensitive to both the Muslim and Christian communities, which were watching the matter closely.
Besides the Selangor MB's realisation of this being a sensitive issue, he had chosen to delay and was hiding the matter behind a veil.
"He should himself quickly probe the matter and take the proper action," Khairy said.
For Muslims, he pointed out, murtad or apostasy was central to their concern as it is prohibited the conversion of someone who is a Muslim in the country to another religion. Furthermore, it is considered a big sin for a person to renounce Islam.
Hence, he said, the allegations of attempts to have people renounce Islam in the chuch was certainly being viewed seriously by the Malay and Muslim community.
The raid on the DUMC church a week ago follows claims of evidence of proselytisation. The Christian community has condemned the raid, saying it sets a dangerous precedent in the country and makes a mockery of the sanctity of places of worship.
No clear view of the issue
Khairy pointed out there was no clear view of the issue at present as the Christian community representatives were saying that it was a thanksgiving dinner.
However, he said, there were others who claimed that a questionnaire on Islam had been distributed and had been torn up before the Jais raid.
"There are among those in the Christian community who are hurt and view the Jais raid as a form of discrimination, as that of a bully and intolerant attitude. They will be further hurt by allegations of them trying to convert Muslims, which could not be true at all," he said.
"What is important is for the Selangor government to come forward to explain the situation immediately.
"If PAS Youth and Selangor exco Hasan Ali are satisfied with the Jais explanation, then why is the Selangor MB waiting to issue a statement?" asked Khairy, adding PAS and Hasan should also come forward to explain the basis and reason for their accepting Jais' actions.
The Umno Youth chief said the people also wanted to know what evidence Jais had in justifying its raid last week.
"Although Umno Youth stressed that it cannot stop financial or welfare assistance to poor Muslims by the church, it questions the motive if it also includes helping them renounce Islam."
"We view the issue of apostasy seriously and there should not be any compromise on issues involving one's faith. I urge the Selangor government to come forward to explain the incident once and for all," Khairy added. - Malaysiakini
Its chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (right) said the movement was unhappy with the Selangor Pakatan government, which was seen as weak in handling the matter.
"Initially, they are seen to be avoiding or claiming responsibility, saying it (Jais) comes under the purview of the ruler. They also made allegations of a federal government conspiracy in such an action, although such claims were unsubstantiated.
"Such perception changed when the menteri besar said the state government should bear the responsibility and answer for its actions. Following this, I urge MB Khalid Ibrahim not to delay in explaining or trying to hide the matter any further. If he cannot explain, it is better he resigns," Khairy said in a statement.
It is frustrating, Khairy noted, that the Selangor government has attempted to delay or was trying to hide the issue from public domain, with no follow-up action.
The Umno Youth chief said for the movement, such a tactic was truly irresponsible because it involved an issue sensitive to both the Muslim and Christian communities, which were watching the matter closely.
Besides the Selangor MB's realisation of this being a sensitive issue, he had chosen to delay and was hiding the matter behind a veil.
"He should himself quickly probe the matter and take the proper action," Khairy said.
For Muslims, he pointed out, murtad or apostasy was central to their concern as it is prohibited the conversion of someone who is a Muslim in the country to another religion. Furthermore, it is considered a big sin for a person to renounce Islam.
Hence, he said, the allegations of attempts to have people renounce Islam in the chuch was certainly being viewed seriously by the Malay and Muslim community.
The raid on the DUMC church a week ago follows claims of evidence of proselytisation. The Christian community has condemned the raid, saying it sets a dangerous precedent in the country and makes a mockery of the sanctity of places of worship.
No clear view of the issue
Khairy pointed out there was no clear view of the issue at present as the Christian community representatives were saying that it was a thanksgiving dinner.
However, he said, there were others who claimed that a questionnaire on Islam had been distributed and had been torn up before the Jais raid.
"There are among those in the Christian community who are hurt and view the Jais raid as a form of discrimination, as that of a bully and intolerant attitude. They will be further hurt by allegations of them trying to convert Muslims, which could not be true at all," he said.
"What is important is for the Selangor government to come forward to explain the situation immediately.
"If PAS Youth and Selangor exco Hasan Ali are satisfied with the Jais explanation, then why is the Selangor MB waiting to issue a statement?" asked Khairy, adding PAS and Hasan should also come forward to explain the basis and reason for their accepting Jais' actions.
The Umno Youth chief said the people also wanted to know what evidence Jais had in justifying its raid last week.
"Although Umno Youth stressed that it cannot stop financial or welfare assistance to poor Muslims by the church, it questions the motive if it also includes helping them renounce Islam."
"We view the issue of apostasy seriously and there should not be any compromise on issues involving one's faith. I urge the Selangor government to come forward to explain the incident once and for all," Khairy added. - Malaysiakini
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