PARLIAMENT | Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s use of various “Islamic phrases” in his ministry’s winding-up speech today sparked a reminder from a PAS MP who warned that it could “mislead” Muslims.
Siti Zailah Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang), who stood up to interject Nga’s speech, also directly asked the Teluk Intan MP if he “is a believer”.
“I congratulate you on the efforts you’ve made, YB. I just want some clarification - during your winding-up speech, you used many Islamic phrases. Saying you want to perform a prostration of gratitude, Alhamdulillah, giving thanks.
“Are you a believer? Do you believe in Allah? We do not want these phrases to be toyed with,” she said.
“I worry it may confuse Muslims. If these matters are toyed with, this question touches on the 3R issues we have been reminded to be careful about.
“So I do not want Islamic phrases to be used in a way that confuses non-Muslims. If YB is a Muslim, I have no issue. But do not use such phrases to mislead the public,” Siti Zailah stressed.
Nga had earlier used the terms to express his thankfulness over the ministry’s success in reviving 40,000 units of “sick projects” under the PR1MA housing scheme in Bukit Katil, Malacca - the last out of 34 such abandoned projects nationwide.
“Alhamdulillah, as of today, the last sick project in Bukit Katil under PR1MA (is completed), tonight I perform a prostration of gratitude (sujud syukur).
“Those (projects) were all from the previous government, including friends on the other side. I worked tirelessly, but before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a promise (will be) fulfilled.
“All projects are fully completed. The keys will be handed over before Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.
Used with respect
Responding to Siti Zailah, Nga, who urged the former PAS women’s chief not be “emotional”, quipped that he, too, is a Kelantanese and is familiar with such terms commonly used by Muslims.
Nga also stressed that, as a Malaysian, he used the words with respect for Islam as the religion of the federation.
“How could it be considered playing around, as if those words are improper? As a person of faith, I’m sure YB also hopes that we all respect one another,” he said.
“Alhamdulillah - that word is Arabic, right? InsyaAllah means ‘if God wills’, Alhamdulillah means ‘okay’, expressing gratitude.
“That’s why I feel we shouldn’t always lean toward issues that go against unity,” said Nga, who extended an invitation for Siti Zailah to attend his ministry’s Hari Raya open house.
In a separate interjection, Azli Yusof (Harapan-Shah Alam) said he felt honoured and proud as a Muslim that Nga is able to use the phrases commonly used by Muslims.
The backbencher, who noted that use of such terms cuts across all religions in Arab-speaking countries, however, added that he prayed for Nga to one day “be granted guidance from Allah SWT.” - Mkini
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