Since embarking on their political journey with DAP, party central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali and vice-chairperson Syahredzan Johan have faced relentless criticism.
Among the labels hurled at them were "traitors" to the Malays and Islam, amid long-standing perceptions among some conservative Malays that DAP poses a threat to their interests and identity.
During an interview on an episode of KiniTV’s “Explain Sikit” podcast, the duo shared how they have endured some of the most painful attacks.
"To me, the worst and most hurtful label was when some called me a 'kafir' (infidel)," said Syahredzan (above, left).
"As a Muslim, that is something totally unacceptable because it has come to the extent of questioning my religious belief.
"That label actually makes me angry. Other than that, like being called 'barua' (lackey) and sorts, I think I have gotten used to it," the Bangi MP added.
According to Syahredzan, such nasty attacks mostly occurred online so far.
Similarly, Sheikh Umar said that while he had grown accustomed to the various insults hurled at him, being called a “kafir” still hurt.
‘Part and parcel of politics’
The former Paloh assemblyperson, however, mentioned that he had learned to ignore such labels, viewing them as part and parcel of his political struggle.
He said such accusations were merely perceptions that DAP’s rivals sought to cultivate for political gain.
"Please publish what I say here: DAP is not against Islam. DAP is a political party, and its political approach is social democracy.
"It is moving towards a more centrist and moderate position, advocating sound policies and upholding the aspirations and spirit of the Constitution, which has already accorded Islam and the Malays their proper place within the constitutional framework. DAP has never opposed this.
"Based on that, I reiterate that DAP is a political party, and all the criticisms we have received are perceptions deliberately created by political opponents in the course of political competition and elections in our country.
"Therefore, joining DAP has never been a problem for my faith, and I am fully confident and convinced of that," Sheikh Umar stressed.
According to Sheikh Umar, he was also puzzled as to how certain quarters could conclude that a Muslim becomes “murtad” (apostate) just by becoming a member of a political party like DAP.
Brickbats for PAS
Firing a salvo at PAS, Sheikh Umar said the Islamist party has been responsible for declaring other Muslims apostates just because they do not share PAS' political views.
The Dewan Negara member cited an incident in 1981 when PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang labelled Umno as “kafir” in his infamous sermon called “Amanat Haji Hadi”, which sparked a split among the Malays.
"The one that has been accusing others as infidels and questioning people's religious beliefs is, sorry to say, the party that uses an Islamic brand.
"There is actually no need for it to go that far, because our faith is not literally or directly tied to the political party or platform we choose to join, including DAP," said Sheikh Umar.
Regardless, the Johorean said he has never let his spirits wane because of the nasty labels. Instead, it has strengthened his resolve to stay in DAP.
However, he admits that such attacks had some impact on his family, especially his ageing parents who recently learned to use social media.
"So, what I do is I pray to Allah that I forgive these people (critics) because they actually do not know," Sheikh Umar added. - Mkini
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