S'gor MB: Non-Muslims not the enemy
As Muslims observe the last day of Ramadan, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has called on them to correct their perception that non-Muslims are a threat to them.
As Muslims observe the last day of Ramadan, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has called on them to correct their perception that non-Muslims are a threat to them.
"Even though Aidilfitri is for Muslims, it does not make us exclusivist. Instead, we should take this opportunity to share our knowledge about what Islam wants from its followers...,” he said in a message in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"Furthermore, we must correct the many misunderstandings among Muslims that see non-Muslims as a threat, and even taking a confrontational stance.
"All these only serve to paint a negative image of Islamic teachings that advocate justice for all."
Khalid condemned moves to sow disunity in society, apparently referring to the ramped-up reporting on alleged proselytising of Muslims.
"The move to divide society... is an irresponsible act," he said.
Khalid also called for maturity and unity ahead of National Day, which falls on Wednesday.
"After 54 years of independence, many issues have cropped up in the life of this nation and it requires maturity, courtesy and openness in dealing with these,” he added.
On Wednesday, government-owned network TV1 aired a report linking top opposition leaders to a Facebook group called ‘Murtads (apostates) in Malaysia & Singapore’.
DAP national publicity chief Tony Pua, who was among those implicated, has trashed the report, describing it as "the most despicable piece of incendiary false news reporting on national TV".
Pua said he and several Pakatan Rakyat leaders had been added to the Facebook group without their consent and accused the station of inflaming religious sentiments.
Exactly a week before that, government-linked television station TV3 had broadcast a report showing protesters at the ‘Al-Musyrikin’ surau demonstrating against alleged proselytising of Muslims children at a tuition centre.
However, an NGO accused the TV station of fabricating the report, pointing out that its investigations show that such a surau did not exist and that Muslims would not call their surau ‘Al-Musyrikin’ (polytheist).
The issue of proselytising came to the fore after a raid by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department, early this month, on a dinner at a hall in the compound of the Damansara Utama Methodist Church, at which 12 Muslims were present.
