SEKARANG NI SIAPA YG AKAN MEMPERTAHANKAN JABATAN AGAMA ISLAM INI (JAIS)? ( freemalaysiatoday/category/nation/2014/06/05/ong-is-rafael-nadal-a-muslim-name/) Ong: Is Rafael Nadal a Muslim name? June 5, 2014 Rather than adopt an “act-first, think later” operating procedure, Jais should seek the state governments approval before taking action involving non-Muslims. PETALING JAYA: The example given by Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) deputy director Ahmad Zaki Arshad that Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal will be investigated for having a Muslim-sounding name shows his ignorance, DAP Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming said today. Ong was responding to the incident where Jais officers prevented a Hindu wedding from taking place in a temple in Petaling Jaya because the bride had a Muslim name. “It is ludicrous to say that Rafael Nadal is a Muslim name as neither Rafeal nor Nadal, as far as I know, are names not widely used by any Muslim community anywhere in the world. “Non-Muslims, especially from Sabah and Sarawak, also have Muslim names. CEO of Pemandu Idris Jala is an example. “He has a Muslim-sounding name but is actually a Christian Kelabit from Bario Sarawak. “Would Jais be investigating Idris Jala if there is a report that the Sarawakian went to a church in Selangor?” asked Ong. He said the example given by Ahmad Zaki clearly displayed the ignorance of the deputy director. The raid was also condemned by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, the Bar Council and the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). The DAP election strategist also questioned Jais’ manner of conducting the raid because it failed to take into the account of sensitivities of non-Muslim communities in Selangor. “Is Ahmad Zaki implying that Jais will investigate Muslims who happen to be at a non-Muslim place of worship as well?“Is it wrong for a Muslim to visit a church or temple during festive occasions and celebrations? “Should non-Muslims now stop inviting their Malay friends to attend weddings or celebrations or festivals which are held in non-Muslim places of worship? he asked. Ong said rather than adopt an “act-first, think later” operating procedure, Jais should respect the sanctity of non-Muslim places of worship and seek the approval of the state government before taking action against non-Muslims. He said the confiscation of the Bahasa Malaysia bibles belonging to the Bible Society of Malaysia and the 2011 raid on a church in Petaling Jaya had increased the perception that non-Muslims in Selangor were “under siege” and this would only worsen inter-ethnic relations. Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy told FMT today that Jais director Ahmad Zaharin Mohd Saad should be removed and transferred for the unconstitutional raid on the Hindu temple. He said stern action must be taken so that others would toe the line when carrying out their duties. He added that Ahmad Zaharin had proven to be incompetent in executing his duties. Waythamoorthy said Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim should mean business by removing the Jais director with immediate effect if the Pakatan Rakyat state government really cared to protect interests and rights of all citizens. Khalid had admitted that the Jais raid on Sunday to stop a Hindu wedding of Zarenah Abdul Majid, 32, had caused his state government an embarrassment. Zarenah had claimed that she had always practised Hinduism since childhood while living under her mother’s care. Also Read:‘Jais wrong to stop wedding ceremony’
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 11:28:41 +0000