COMMENT I pen this article with this disclaimer: that I have no intention, whatsoever, to interfere with the administration of justice in Indonesia.

My concern is only confined to the disproportionate reaction of my Muslim brothers and sisters to a non-Muslim's remarks on Islam, so much so that they have conveniently forgotten that justice is a bedrock of their very own religion.

I read with utter dismay the indictment of Jakarta's incumbent Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, affectionately known as Ah Hock (or Ahok as he is known there) for an alleged offence of blasphemy under Articles 156 and 156(a) of the Indonesian Criminal Code.

It is an irony that Ahok was implicated for citing Verse 51 of Surah Al Maidah (Chapter 5 of the Quran) in his speech in Thousand Islands when the same chapter of the Quran explicitly enjoins Muslims to dispense justice, even to their enemies.

I have read and re-read Ahok's alleged blasphemous statements several times and found not even an iota of blasphemous element therein. That Islam is seriously taking into account one's intention is no longer important to Muslims. Even his apology has not been duly considered by the Muslims.

It seems that forgiveness is seriously missing from the Muslims' treasure, whereas their beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most forgiving man in the history of mankind. He even forgave many of his enemies, including a Jewish woman who tried to assassinate him in Khaybar.

Elements of religious extremism

To his credit, Ahok has offered apologies and unequivocally stated that he never intended to belittle or insult Islam.

The way I see it, the indictment of Ahok has elements of religious extremism stamped all over it. Whenever extremism reigns supreme, people tend to abandon the principle of justice. I really don't know whether Ahok will be able to get a fair trial.

Everybody knows Ahok has been a tremendous governor. His records have been impeccable.

In my view, in seeking re-election, he is justified in saying that the voters should have not been misled to reject him by relying on Surah Al Maidah Verse 51, the very verse his opponents had used to reject non-Muslim candidates like him.

Ahok was simply sending a message that the appointment of any candidate for any public office should be based on merits, not sentiments.

Contextually speaking, I see, with due respect, no blasphemy in his remarks.

MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN is the MP for Sepang.