KUALA LUMPUR : Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says there is no need for party leaders and grassroots to be apologetic for voicing out issues related to Islam, as well as Malay and Bumiputera rights.
He cited the party’s stance on the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims and said Umno, which is part of the unity government, was always committed to strengthening Islam.
In his speech at the Umno annual general assembly, Zahid said there were attempts to portray Umno as having abandoned its principles on the “Allah” issue.
“The fact is, Umno has not budged (on the issue). Not even an inch.
“Umno and our representatives in the Cabinet have stressed that the word Allah cannot be used by non-Muslims.
“It is also the stance taken by the unity government,” said Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister.
He then took a swipe at PAS, saying it previously allowed the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims when the Islamic party was with DAP, in the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat coalition.
Zahid said it was clear that PAS changes its stance according to its “mood”.
“They use Islam and champion Malay rights for political purposes.”
The unity government had been heavily criticised after it withdrew its appeal against a 2021 High Court landmark ruling in favour of Sarawakian, Jill Ireland, which allowed her to use the word “Allah” in her religious education.
Meanwhile, Zahid also rejected the allegation that Islam and Malays were increasingly marginalised under the unity government.
“For those who continue to pick a fight on the matter, the expression ‘great minds discuss ideas, small minds gossip about each other’ accurately describes their attitude,” he said. - FMT
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