'Don't politicise distribution of food by non-Muslim leaders'

The culture of giving among non-Muslim elected representatives during Ramadan in the state is positive and should not be politicised, says Malacca Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

Adly, the Malacca Pakatan Harapan chairperson, said the move to politicise the issue, especially in giving food to the Muslim community, is immature and to the loss of Muslims themselves.

"Why is it when non-Muslims give bubur lambuk we say it against Islam, but when they give money and clothes they are not rejected?

"I think it is not appropriate for us to dispute whether the gift in the form of food or others. 

"The important thing it is halal and it takes into consideration the needs of Muslims in the state,” he told reporters after opening Pasar Harapan Rakyat organised by Kota Melaka Harapan Wanita in Telok Mas today.

Adly was commenting on some quarters criticising non-Muslim elected representatives in Malacca for distributing bubur lambuk to Muslims during Ramadan.

Earlier, social media was abuzz with pictures of a priest and Malacca exco Low Chee Leong giving away bubur lambuk to pedestrians, which was criticised by some parties.

Commenting further, Adly said there is nothing wrong with non-Muslims distributing food to Muslims as the country comprises various races living in harmony with each other.

He said every elected representative in the state, including non-Muslims, have allocations at the state legislative level to carry out welfare activities for the people in the form of food contributions, money or other assistance, and it does not involve the use of zakat for the purpose.

Meanwhile, he said the Pasar Harapan Rakyat is aimed at assisting the less fortunate to obtain essential festive goods such as cooking oil, flour and sugar at cheaper prices compared to other markets apart from obtaining used clothes.

"This is an initiative of Kota Melaka Harapan Wanita, and we hope this model would be extended over the state to assist needy people,” he said.

- Bernama