Rafidah: Keep religion, race and education out of politics

Former minister tells talk show host Harith Iskander that hudud should not be politicised.

PETALING JAYA: Matters involving religion, for instance the much talked about Hadi bill on hudud, should not be politicised, says former Wanita Umno leader Rafidah Aziz.

She said that even negative public perception about hudud should also be stopped.

Speaking to talk show host Harith Iskander on Astro Awani last night, Rafidah who has been dubbed as Malaysia’s Iron Lady, added that the manipulation by some parties of the hudud issue, involving criminal penalties under Islamic law, would only serve to create disharmony among the people.

“To me, this is more politics than anything else and nothing to do with religion. I always say keep religion out of politics,” she told Harith on the Obviously Harith Iskander talk show.

Rafidah said three issues should not be politicised; religion, race and education.

“If you politicise it, you cause dissent, concern and more divisiveness,” she said.

She also urged political leaders to return to the politics of unity and politics of development.

Without stating specific issues, Rafidah said leaders today should resolve the big issues and not hide things under the carpet.

“Let’s sort it out. So that the credibility of Malaysia and Malaysians will still be there,” she said, pointing out that the society was becoming more fractious.

“We owe our young ones that as this country is theirs now and for the future. We came from a state of low development. We have advanced. Let’s not spoil this by having extraneous matters creep in.

“Let’s get on with governing, delivering what we have promised for the country to be, and what we promised the people,” she told Harith.

Rafidah urged those in power to resolve the issues so Malaysia can come back on the economic radar screen and shine brightly.

The talk show, Obviously Harith Iskander, airs every Saturday night on Astro Awani.