Bar parties from using ‘Islam’ in names, Rahim Tamby Chik urges

MALACCA, Jan 21 — A regulation or law to prohibit the use of the word “Islam” by political parties should be formulated to avoid manipulation and abuse by certain quarters for political interests, former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Dr Rahim Tamby Chik said today.

He said the use of the word by political parties could be damaging to Islam as well as tarnish its image and reputation.

Referring to the use of the word by Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS), Rahim (picture) said it had led some members of the society to accept the word used by the party as similar to the “Islam” brought by the Prophet.

“The use of the word by the party is merely for political interest,” he told reporters after presenting the school aid at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sungai Udang here today.

He said the action of the PAS leaders, like calling Umno members infidels and apostates, did not reflect the true teachings of Islam. — Bernama