The Malaysian Association of Muslim Scholars (PUM) has become immune to the criticism from government leaders and the mainstream media, said its president Abdul Ghani Shamsudin today.

"They had belittled our efforts to promote Islam, dismissing us as 'part of the opposition party'. The press had also criticised us so often that in the end we have become immune to it," he told malaysiakini .

PUM attracted widespread criticism after it endorsed PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's statement which suggested that one of Allah's characteristics is ' samseng ' or ruffian.

"They (ruling politicians and the media) gave the impression that PUM is only interested in supporting the party (PAS), which wasn't what we had intended at all," he added.

"When we don't respond to their challenges, PUM is labelled as a coward. When we do, they brand us as an extension of a political party (PAS)," he said.

However, Abdul Ghani said these critical views do not reflect the situation on the ground.

"We have received many invitations to speak at various places on the matter and so far, we are well received. In fact I am invited to speak on the issue in Kubang Pasu, Kedah (which is Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's constituency)," he said.

Taken out of context

Elaborating further on PUM's support for Nik Aziz's statement, Abdul Ghani said the PAS leader's comment was taken out of context and misconstrued.

"Being a renowned ulama, I am sure he's well intentioned he wouldn't mean to belittle Islam," he added.

On the contrary, he said, Nik Aziz was known for his persistence and enthusiasm to promote Islam in this country.

"Those ridiculous comments (about PUM) are obviously based on a complete misunderstanding of the situation," he added.

Abdul Ghani said in an attempt to create greater awareness of the association, PUM has produced webcasts, available on its website

.