Hackles raised over haircuts

> Video surfaces of preacher allegedly advocating ‘Muslims-only’ barber practice

GEORGE TOWN: A parliamentarian has called on the Penang religious authorities to take stern action against an Islamic preacher for allegedly saying Muslims should only allow their hair to be cut by Muslim barbers.

Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari said there is a need to be stern, similar to the action taken by the Johor and Selangor Rulers on a similar issue recently.

He said although many quarters subscribe to the understanding that Malaysia is a predominantly Islamic nation, it is also a moderate one.

Zairil was responding to an online video of a Bayan Lepas-based preacher, Shahul Hamid Seeni Muhammad, allegedly telling Muslims they should only allow their hair to be touched by fellow Muslims.

Zairil said similar to the action taken against controversial preacher Zamihan Mat Zin, the authorities in Penang should act against Shahul Hamid if the allegations were true.

Penang Islamic Religious Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said Shahul Hamid has a right to voice his opinions.

“But people should not be bothered, as his remarks are merely a personal opinion rather than a state policy,” he said.

“The people should not be paying any attention (to his comments). He has a right to speak. We are not going to use any laws to (silence) him. But we should also stop giving him publicity. It will create a negative perception of Islam.”

Meanwhile in PETALING JAYA, Zamihan apologised to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over his criticism of the Sultan of Johor.

“I would like to apologise to the Tuanku Sultan, if I ever offended you with my words when delivering a religious lecture.

“As a normal citizen, I have no intention of insulting the royal institution, apart from practising my responsibility to spread Islamic teachings,” he said yesterday.