PKR candidate vows to promote moderate Islam
SHAH ALAM: PKR is focused on promoting a moderate version of Islam that is acceptable to all Malaysians.
This was reiterated yesterday by PKR’s candidate for the Sungai Kandis by-election, Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni, who said he would work towards upholding a temperate Islam if he was given the mandate to represent the constituency.
He said he would uplift Islam according to the principles of wasatiyyah, or moderation.
“In Selangor, we have laws that safeguard and uphold Islam. (So), InsyaAllah, I will take a suitable approach (to promoting) an Islam that is acceptable to all.
“An Islam that is not too liberal (where Muslims consume alcohol), and not too rigid, where people are restricted from doing anything because all is labelled haram (forbidden by Islam).
“We will practice wasatiyyah,” he said.
On a related matter, Zawawi said he would look into the proposed Religious and Racial Hatred Act if he were elected.
“InsyaAllah, I will study the proposal to see if it is suitable to be implemented,” he said.
Zawawi also took a swipe at the opposition for playing the race and religion card to garner votes in the Aug 4 poll.
He condemned Barisan Nasional’s allegation that the Pakatan Harapan government was bowing to DAP’s demands, and had failed to defend Islam in the country.
“The Federal Constitution clearly states Islam as the official religion. These irresponsible parties are trying to make an issue out of this to create chaos and disrupt peace. I urge all parties to quit playing the religion card. Let us campaign in a healthy and orderly manner.
“The Pakatan Harapan government had never once abandoned the religion since it came to power in 2008 (in Selangor),” Zawawi said, adding that 25 mosques were built in Selangor from 2015 to this year at a cost of RM208.824 million.