PAS: Malay rulers approved 'Islam' in party name
Nigel AwPublished: May 14, 2012 5:42 PM | Updated: May 14, 2012 9:25 PM
The issue of whether 'Islam' should be dropped from the name of the Islamist party PAS does not rise as this was already decided by the Conference of Rulers, party vice-president Mahfuz Omar says.
The use of 'Islam' in the name of PAS was resolved many years ago by the Conference of Rulers, party veep Mahfuz Omar tells the Perak mufti.
The issue of whether 'Islam' should be dropped from the name of the Islamist party PAS does not rise as this was already decided by the Conference of Rulers, party vice-president Mahfuz Omar says.
"This matter was resolved a long time ago. The Conference of Rulers decided that political parties can use the word Islam in their names," Mahfuz said when contacted.
He was responding to a front page report in Berita Harian today, quoting Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria saying he is prepared to raise the issue of PAS misusing the term 'Islam' in its name with the National Fatwa Council.
Harussani, who is a member of the fatwa council, said this in support of calls by Malay rights group Perkasa for the council to hold a discussion on the matter.
Mahfuz said it was left to the council to take up this matter, even though it had already been resolved.
He also blasted those calling for a review of the party's name.
"They are hired by Umno. When Umno is on the verge of defeat, it attempts to create fears among Muslims towards PAS," he said.
PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in a posting on his Facebook said, without naming Harussani (left), that the state mufti should not be playing politics.
"The mufti will do well not to interfere in party politics if he has such a bad view of PAS," Nik Aziz said.
He also blasted Harussani for his ignorance of history, pointing out that one reason for the formation of PAS was the result of Umno's failure to defend Islam.
Fatwa council may review 'Islam' in PAS name
"This matter was resolved a long time ago. The Conference of Rulers decided that political parties can use the word Islam in their names," Mahfuz said when contacted.He was responding to a front page report in Berita Harian today, quoting Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria saying he is prepared to raise the issue of PAS misusing the term 'Islam' in its name with the National Fatwa Council.
Harussani, who is a member of the fatwa council, said this in support of calls by Malay rights group Perkasa for the council to hold a discussion on the matter.
Mahfuz said it was left to the council to take up this matter, even though it had already been resolved.
He also blasted those calling for a review of the party's name.
"They are hired by Umno. When Umno is on the verge of defeat, it attempts to create fears among Muslims towards PAS," he said.PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in a posting on his Facebook said, without naming Harussani (left), that the state mufti should not be playing politics.
"The mufti will do well not to interfere in party politics if he has such a bad view of PAS," Nik Aziz said.
He also blasted Harussani for his ignorance of history, pointing out that one reason for the formation of PAS was the result of Umno's failure to defend Islam.
Fatwa council may review 'Islam' in PAS name
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