KUALA LUMPUR, May 15: In a press statement here Monday (May 13), Vice President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Dato’ T. Murugiah raised his concerns and called for stern action against the Mufti of Perlis, Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (Dr.Maza) for repeatedly making irresponsible statements that went beyond religious discourse and could provoke Muslims to resent and distrust non-Muslim communities in the country.
Referring to a recent video clip that has gone viral and in which Dr. Maza is shown criticizing non-Muslims harshly and trying to “portray them as a threat to Islam in Malaysia”, Murugiah said it was a hate speech of an extremely dangerous kind.
This is especially so when it comes from a religious authority holding an official government position, he said.
“His words were not only inappropriate but divisive and detrimental to the harmony we have worked so hard to build in this multiracial and multicultural nation.
Many Malaysians have also taken Dr. Maza to task for his offensive remarks, he said, and they include learned Muslims.
“Prominent Muslim lawyer and activist Siti Kassim also strongly condemned Dr. Maza’s remarks on platforms such as TikTok, calling out the mufti’s dangerous rhetoric. When a fellow Muslim takes a stand against a state religious leader, it is a sign of just how serious and unacceptable those statements truly are,” he said.
This is not the first time Dr. Maza has made controversial statements, Murugiah said, pointing out how he has publicly undermed non-Islamic religious practices and communities in the past, while making divisive and condescending remarks about other faiths in sermons and speeches.
His aggressive promotion of hardline Wahhabi interpretations are also incompatible with Malaysia’s multicultural context, he said.
Calling for stern action against him, he said, Dr. Maza was using religious platforms to make politically charged statements and sow distrust against those with differing beliefs.
“Malaysia is founded on the principles of the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara, both of which emphasize tolerance, unity, and mutual respect. We cannot allow anyone—especially those in public office—to incite racial or religious tension under the guise of religious expression.
“I humbly appeal to His Royal Highness the Raja of Perlis to take serious note of this issue. Perlis is not the sole domain of any individual or religious group; it is home to citizens of all races and faiths who deserve to live in peace and dignity.
“Firm action must be taken against Dr. Maza. His insensitivity to the contributions, rights, and dignity of other communities in Malaysia must not go unchecked. Religious leaders should unite people, not divide them.
“Malaysia does not need voices of extremism that threaten our unity. We need leaders—both political and religious—who uphold peace, mutual understanding, and respect for all.”
— WE