Called ‘deaf’, Perlis mufti brings out signed copy of Dr M’s memoir

Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin says Muslims share his view that the government has ignored their grievances.

PETALING JAYA: Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin today produced a signed copy of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 2011 autobiography to show his Facebook followers a note from the prime minister urging him to speak the truth.

This comes hours after Mahathir ticked Asri off for accusing government leaders of silence over remarks he said were offensive to Muslims, following the arrest of a close associate in Perlis over the weekend.

Asri again defended his view that the current political realities allow Muslims to be bullied, and that the authorities have not acted against government leaders who insulted Islam.

“If anyone is able to listen to the people’s grievances, this is the reality voiced out by Muslims of all levels in this country,” he wrote on his Facebook today.

“I don’t know who is deaf.”

Asri yesterday suggested that the current administration practised double standards, following the arrest of Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu over remarks allegedly insulting Hinduism.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s note, shared by Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on Facebook.

“Many statements insulting Muslims were made by individuals who are part of the current government, creating racial tension, but they were only called to give a statement,” he wrote.

When asked for his response, Mahathir labelled the mufti “deaf” while defending the Pakatan Harapan administration’s Islamic credentials.

“If he could hear, we do many things for Muslims and Islam but he does not hear it,” he told reporters last night.

Asri today also published several lines from Mahathir’s autograph in his memoir “A Doctor in the House”.

“Never ignore the truth due to fear. A true struggle is not without challenges and opposition,” Asri quoted from Mahathir’s note.

“God willing, I shall hold fast to this philosophy even if it is against Tun M’s own government,” he added. - FMT