Open dialogue? Who am I, asks Siti Kasim

The lawyer-activist says she is merely a Malaysian voicing concerns about the state of the country and that she has no authority over anything.

Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim says she has never preached a ‘new ideology’ of Islam to anyone. (Facebook pic)

GEORGE TOWN: Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim today refused to comment on the offer by Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin for an open dialogue following his claim that her attitude was causing “worries and anxiety” among the people.

Speaking to FMT, she said she had the right to voice concerns about the state of the country but added that she had no influence in any of these matters.

“The fact is, there is really nothing to be made into a big issue. Who am I? I have no influence in policymaking. I have no influence in anything.

“I am speaking up as a Malaysian, as a Malay and as a Muslim. Is that against the law? I am only Siti Kasim, who dares to explain my vision and my views on the state of Malaysia and how I see it.”

In a Facebook post yesterday, Asri had said that Siti’s attitude worried many people, and that he would be organising an open dialogue on Islam in Malaysia with her and Salman Ali.

However, Siti said she was not sending out any new ideology of Islam.

“I have never preached anything to anyone, and I never claimed to be a Muslim scholar. I am saying what I believe my religion is, and what I think.”

While she respected Asri, she said he should remember that he was in a position of authority, and should not involve himself in the “rubbish” circulating on social media.

“Why does a person in his position want to get involved in these rumblings? Be the bigger man, and be smarter.

“He has much more important things to take care of with regards to Islam, like ensuring that poor Muslims are taken care of, and taking care of the state of mind of Muslims.

“I don’t even take this seriously. Why would he get involved?” -FMT