Shias have right to practise beliefs, says ex-Perlis mufti

Shia Muslim followers have the right to practise their beliefs, says former Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (pic) today.

He, however, qualified it by saying that he agreed with Putrajaya that its teaching could have adverse effects.

"It is true that countries which adopt Shia teachings, such as Pakistan and Iran, often descend into chaos and anarchy. We do not want to see that happening in Malaysia," he said.

Mohd Asri told The Malaysian Insider that Putrajaya had failed to explain the effect and impact of Shia teachings.

"Putrajaya is just saying Shia is dangerous and the movement should be blocked. But they have not said what is so dangerous about it.

"The Government's statements on Shia teachings are vague and confusing," Mohd Asri told The Malaysian Insider.

Referring to Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's allegations against PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, Mohd Asri said it should be backed up by evidence.

"The allegations against Mohamad Sabu or Mat Sabu are vague. Ahmad Zahid should provide a detailed explanation.

“What offences did Mat Sabu commit?

"The public might view the allegations against Mat Sabu as baseless if Ahmad Zahid cannot back up his claims with evidence."

On Saturday at the Umno general assembly, Ahmad Zahid said he had authorised the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia to take action against alleged Shia Muslim leaders in PAS.

Ahmad Zahid said it was perplexing how PAS, as an Islamist party, could have elected a Shia leader into the party's No. 2 post at its 59th muktamar last month.

Although Ahmad Zahid, an Umno vice-president, did not name the PAS leader, it was obvious he was referring to Mat Sabu since the latter retained his deputy president position at the PAS polls.

Picking on Shia Muslims was a common theme at the Umno general assembly held at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Umno's grassroots want to bring a bill into the Dewan Rakyat to amend the Federal Constitution to only recognise Sunni Islam.

Mat Sabu said he had contacted his lawyer over Ahmad Zahid's allegations.

"I did not hear what Ahmad Zahid said so I have to discuss the issue with my legal representatives first," he said.