Will Perlis mufti emulate corn seller and apologise, asks Rayer

 

DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer has questioned whether Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin, popularly known as Maza, will follow the example of the corn seller who apologised for displaying a racist sign.

This comment was in reference to Asri's remarks about the "vibuthi" (sacred ash) on Rayer's forehead after a clash between the two over controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik's speech in the northern state.

"My question to Maza is why he said that, is Maza willing to apologise? I respect Maza, but I don't understand why Maza responded this way. I'm very disappointed, disheartened," he told a press conference in Parliament today.

Rayer, who emphasised that he respects Islam, said that in his previous press conference, he only raised the issue of whether Zakir should be allowed to speak in light of a police ban, without insulting the mufti, preacher or the religion.

"Personally, as a Hindu who wears sacred ash, I feel this is an insult. I have received many responses from fellow Hindus.

"I want to ask him (Asri) why he made such a statement. I didn't insult anyone, I didn’t insult Maza, I didn’t insult Zakir.

“I only asked if Zakir was allowed to speak, because it is my responsibility as an MP to ask when I know there is a ban (on Zakir speaking),” he added.

Preacher Zakir Naik

On Feb 6, Asri expressed his willingness to "battle" with a DAP MP over the matter.

"Just as I didn’t ask what are the ingredients used (in the sacred ash) smeared on his forehead, he doesn’t need to ask me whom I intend to invite (to speak in the state)," he added.

Zakir ban

In August 2019, the police issued an order to all state contingents prohibiting Zakir from giving public speeches nationwide.

The ban was enforced after Zakir made controversial statements about Hindus and Chinese in Malaysia during a lecture in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on Aug 3 that year.

Previously, seven states had banned Zakir’s lectures including Malacca, Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perlis, and Sarawak.

Earlier today, it was reported that the corn seller who sparked controversy over a racially insensitive signboard apologised to all Malaysians, particularly the Indian community, for his actions. - Mkini