The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra today criticised the narrow interpretation of the concept of jihad (holy war) and martyrdom by some Muslims in the country.

In his royal address at the official opening of this years first Parliamment session, the King said this view shared by a small section of society has to be corrected.

Certain groups in society are more interested in interpreting jihad within narrow confines, he said, adding that utterances of jihad are often linked to force, violence and bloodshed.

The King said efforts to clarify the true concept of jihad and related concepts are being done through public talks, forums, the mass media and publications. This confusion has to be clarified, he said.

His majesty also expressed sadness over the emergence of several issues pertaining to Islam that could destroy public order and national security.

He also noted the emergence of religious-based extremist groups which have resorted to violence to realise its aims.

Strict measures are being employed to detect and counter these groups, he added.

The King said Malaysia was an Islamic country which does not jeopardise the lives of its multiracial citizens and the freedom of worship as provided for in the Federal Constitution.

"On the other hand the entire population feels safe and free from any form of oppression masked in religion, perpetrated by Muslims themselves or people of other religions," he said.

The Kings hour-long speech also touched on other matters related to the countrys economy, women and information technology development.

His majesy also commended Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the countrys well-being and ability to counter the recession and issues of national security.

Governments interpretation narrow

When met later, PAS president Fadzil Noor said the Kings criticism could not have been targetted at his party.

I cannot say it was a reference to PAS as PAS was not involved in militant activities, the opposition leader told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Fadzil said the ulama (religious teachers) have also interpreted the concept of jihad in a very wide manner.

The PAS leader said the government must understand the concept of jihad in a larger context.

For example, when we talk about Palestinians being oppressed by the Zionist, we cannot talk to them about the jihad of economic development, he said.

What is there to economically develop in Palestine? The Palestinians have to oppose with their strength to counter the Zionist attacks, he added.

The application of jihad depends on the situation, he said, adding that the government interprets the concept within such narrow confines.

Since the Sept 11 attacks in the United States, the government has come down hard on opposition parties, especially the Muslim-based PAS.

Many PAS members said to be linked to the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM) have been detained under the Internal Security Act.

Police claimed they were seeking to topple the government via militant means.

The government has also been depicting PAS as a militant party by airing a clip of the 1985 Memali incident.

The incident saw PAS member Ibrahim Libya and several villagers killed in a clash with police in Kedah.

Four policemen were also killed.

The authorities claimed Ibrahim had instilled anti-government sentiments and incited the villagers to clash with the police.