BN manifesto theme used in Friday sermon, Muslims told to be grateful

People hold copies of the BN election manifesto after it was launched at the Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil, April 6, 2013. — Picture by Choo Choy MayKUALA LUMPUR, April 12 ― Muslims were told to be loyal and grateful to the current leaders of the country, in the federal government’s official Friday sermon today that carried the same theme as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) political manifesto for Election 2013.

Prepared by the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), today’s sermon was entitled “Menepati Janji, Membawa Harapan (Fulfilling promises, carrying hope)”, which are the exact words used by BN for its manifesto launched last week.

But the sermon, uploaded onto JAKIM’s official website for use at mosques nationwide, did not explicitly endorse any political party or leader.

Using the theme, the sermon pointed out that “fulfilling promises and speaking the truth are proof of a leader’s perfection and fairness.”

Muslims were told in the sermon that what has been done by the leaders and rulers of the country has been based on public and national interests.

“We should be grateful for all that we enjoy and value our leaders, and compare our situation with that of Muslims in our neighbouring countries

In last week’s sermon, Muslims across the country were warned off leaders who promised “power to the people” and urged instead to elect those who fulfil promises.

The sermon pointed out that attempts to manipulate emotions and sentiments by promising to return power to the people had been used by the enemies of Muslims to destroy Islamic countries.

“It starts by casting a false shadow towards the current ruler, which creates a believable perception for the people who will then be manipulated to dethrone the ruler and their country,” said the sermon, as it warned the audience to shun any leaders who act in such manner.

The Election Commission announced this week that the 13th general election will be held on May 5, with nomination day on April 20.