Pahang sultan also upset with Nurul's remarks

The Sultan of Pahang today expressed his disappointment and sadness over a statement by an opposition party leader in relation to the freedom of religion of Malaysians, including the Malays.

Describing the statement as nonsense and illogical, Sultan Ahmad Shah said the party concerned was too vocal in discussing religious matters without considering its effect on society, especially the Muslims.

"As the leader of the Islamic religion and ruler of Pahang, I'm saddened and disappointed with the statement. I advise people not to listen to such talk," he told reporters after the state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations in Kuantan.

Such matters should be left to the Islamic religious councils, who were better informed, he said.

Malaysiakini, in a report on Nov 3, had quoted PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar as saying that people should not be compelledto adopt a particular religion, and that this should also apply to Malays.  

"When you ask me, there is no compulsion in religion ... how can anyone say sorry, this (religious freedom) only applies to non-Malays, it has to apply equally," she was quoted as saying when speaking at a forum on 'Islamic state: Which version, who's responsibility?' in Subang Jaya on that date.

Pahang mufti Abdul Rahman Osman advised Muslims to be careful with such parties and statements, saying they could lead to the deviation and destruction of the Islamic faith.

Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (left) said PAS was in a political trap with PKR, whereby it was forced to agree with the PKR vice-president despite being aware that the statement deviated completely from Islamic teachings.

"Nurul Izzah's statement and opinion are very dangerous. It could lead to confusion and deviate the Islamic faith.

"I believe many leaders and PAS members personally do not agree with Nurul Izzah's view. But they're trapped and are willing to sacrifice their true opinions for the sake of politics.

"They have no guts to voice their stance," she told reporters after visiting babies born on Maal Hijrah at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

- Bernama