'Islamic parties also create religious tensions'

Political parties that label themselves as 'Islamic' - not just non-Muslim NGOs - have been involved in stirring up religious disharmony, claimed a deputy minister.

Mashitah Ibrahim (right), the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said this when replying a supplementary question from Taib Azamudden Md Taib (PAS-Baling) in the Dewan Rakyat this morning.

He had asked if it is possible for the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to bring in a provision to deregister non-Muslim NGOs “that disturb religious harmony”.

Agreeing with the need, Mashitah said it is up to the ROS to act on it.

Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) asked if religious authorities would explain the difference between a fatwa and the opinions of religious experts, to prevent Muslims from being misled.

Mashitah said that this is being done.

"Anyone can give their opinion, be it political parties or religious experts, but these are personal views and can’t be assumed to be a religious edict,” she added.

“Only fatwas are gazetted and, if not complied with, may be enforced with action under the law."