Jais-church: MB has nothing to apologise for, says aide
The Selangor menteri besar’s political secretary Faekah Husin has spoken out against calls for him to apologise over the controversy between the Harapan Komuniti social welfare group and the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais).
The Selangor menteri besar's political secretary has spoken out against calls for Khalid Ibrahim to apologise over the controversy between the Harapan Komuniti social welfare group and the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais).
Far from having to apologise to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as demanded by state opposition leader Satim Diman, Faekah Husin (
left
) said Khalid's statements have been "in line with the view of his highness Tuanku Sultan."
"Having read the preliminary report (on the Jais operation at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church), the menteri besar had only expressed his regret with the incident as he was certain that it would have been very difficult for Jais to defend its charges,” she said in a statement issued this evening.
Following the Jais operation, Khalid had expressed regret over the raid and said that he had "personally called" DUMC senior pastor Daniel Ho on the matter.
"I told him that the state has instructed Jas to provide a full report detailing the incident, including their justifications for their actions that night. I hope to meet the pastor again once the report is completed," Khalid had said on Aug 4.
Khalid had also reassured the residents of Selangor that the state government "fully respects freedom of religion of the rights of religious groups to manage their affairs".
Interestingly, several BN leaders at that time had demanded that Khalid apologise for the Jais operation at the DUMC - where the Harapan function took place - over claims that Muslims were being subject to proselytisation.
Yesterday, however, Satim reiterated criticisms by other quarters against Khalid for his "apologetic" stance and the MB’s purported political interference in Islamic affairs.
Faekah, however, said the MB had never pointed an accusing finger at Jais as claimed.
“This is just an ill-intended act of provocation to anger Muslims. The menteri besar has also never apologised on Jais’ behalf to DUMC or to the organisers of the dinner as reported,” she added.
Faekah also noted that the MB had always been respectful the sultan as the head of the state and head of Islam in Selangor.
“For that reason, although under pressure by the press which had asked him a number of questions, he had always remained collected and made his commens after the sultan had issued his decree.”
Related stories
Don: Even the palace is subject to criticism
Anti-apostasy rally group pumped by sultan's decree
Malaysiakini accused of undermining royal institution
