Amanah: Explain method used in shariah rating

Mujahid cautions against use of Islam to cover up misdeeds.

PETALING JAYA: A Parti Amanah Negara leader has cautioned the Shariah Index Committee against using the Shariah Index to present what he calls a “false portrayal” of the Barisan Nasional government as one that follows Islamic guidelines.

In a media statement commenting on today’s release of the 2015 Shariah Index Report, Amanah Vice-President Mujahid Yusof Rawa expressed suspicion that the report would be used to cover up BN’s “misdeeds.”

He noted that the government was in effect rating itself.

The report covers the areas of politics, economics, social wellbeing, public health and education.

Mujahid urged the committee to explain how such a high score was obtained with the government facing a crisis of confidence. He mentioned the 1MDB scandal, questions regarding the RM2.6 billion donation to Prime Minister Najib Razak and “other abuses of power.”

He called on the committee’s chairman to be transparent and describe the yardstick used to measure the achievement of shariah goals.

He said the committee’s report has to be verified by independent external experts so that Islamic standards can be maintained at a high level.