‘Haram’ to remove a leader by force, says Shahidan

Perlis Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim says the state fatwa rules that it is illegal to remove a leader by force. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 23, 2015.It is haram (forbidden) to remove a leader by force, Perlis Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said today, echoing similar remarks made by Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria a few days ago.

Speaking at the opening of the Kangar, Arau and Padang Besar Umno division annual general meetings today, he said it is, however, allowed for the people to criticise their leader, based on the state's Islamic Religious Council fatwa.

"But if the leader is removed by force, then it is forbidden.

"If you commit something haram, you go to hell, you know?" he warned members at the opening ceremony, which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak this morning.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said this was the Sunnah wal Jamaah's teachings held by the state.

Harussani was recently quoted as saying that the act of toppling the government is haram (forbidden) because it is not found in Islamic teachings.

He had said that Muslims must find the best way to resolve any problem.

"It is mandatory for Muslims to advise the government if there are elements of injustice in its administration," he reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Shahidan also told party members to steer clear from slandering and attacking the party, which would only benefit the agenda of certain parties.

He said as Umno trustees in the grassroots, there should not be any members who have ill will and doubt the leadership.

He reminded them that the survival of Umno were in the hands of its members.

"If we do not stand up to the attacks against our party, we will split for sure.

"Perlis Umno will help defend the administration under the Umno ruling party, and we will overcome whatever the obstacles are.

"We must all stand together. When we are strong, let us do what is needed to win the general election. We just hope there will be no more hidden hands interfering in Perlis Umno," he said.

Shahidan said Perlis had always delivered good results to Barisan Nasional, winning 100% of the seats in the small northern state, and pledged that Umno there would stay loyal to its president, Najib.

He also said unity was priority and party members must understand that to succeed, some sacrifices has to be made.

They must also be loyal to God, the prophet and their leaders, he said, citing a verse from the Quran.

Shahidan also recommended that government agencies and the private sector pledge their loyalty to the government.

"We are not jealous that there are many from PAS who work in Petronas but when the government faces tough times, nobody defends the administration.

"We propose that the government agencies and private sector make a pledge of loyalty to the government and the PM.

"If it is agreeable, I can see to it because I am a minister," he said.

In his speech, Shahidan also asked the government to ensure prices of goods were reduced to lessen the people's burden.

"All the wings in Perlis Umno had reported that the people are okay with the goods and services tax but they are facing problems with goods being expensive.

"There are traders who take advantage by topping up the sales and services tax on the GST. So instead of 6% tax, consumers pay 12%," he said.

He also asked for help from the government to boost entrepreneurial activities, employment for local graduates, tourism, investments, as well as infrastructure projects like a new highway to ease traffic congestion from Padang Besar to Alor Setar, Kedah.

- TMI