Perlis mufti invites Siti Kassim to dialogue, again
KANGAR: Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has once again invited controversial lawyer Siti Kassim to have an open dialogue on issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
He said Siti Kassim had been very vocal on LGBT issues, giving the impression that she and the group’s support were the reason that today’s government was in power.
“We had invited her to an open dialogue on issues on Islam in Malaysia, but she refused to attend. The dialogue was organised in line with the spirit of the new Malaysia that promotes mature dialogue as a platform to nurture people’s thinking.
“Today, she makes noise on LGBT, as if her vote, and those from the LGBT group, enabled today’s government to rule (the country),” he said on his Facebook page, DrMAZA.com, yesterday.
Asri said the language used by Siti Kasim showed immaturity if one looked at it from the perspective of the eastern culture, known for good mannerism and grace.
He expressed concern that such character was being observed by children.
“Once again, I suggest that Siti Kassim is brought to an open dialogue platform (to discuss) on LGBT issues. I hope that there are quarters who can organise such a dialogue.
“I believe that many scholars or social activists can be selected to represent the voice of the majority who do not accept LGBT. Maybe ustaz Salman Ali is willing to have a dialogue.”
He said if no organiser came forward, his office would invite Siti Kassim for an open and fair dialogue.