Do not act like PAS, says young Umno ulama

One of the young religious scholars who joined Umno last year has suggested that the party members do not adopt the tactics of PAS.

Without naming PAS, Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya of Perlis said Umno was better than that party and therefore should not practise what it did.

"We should not follow their rentak (dance). If they resort to name calling ( caci mencaci ) and use vulgar language, we in Umno should reply with kind words and say things properly and in a soft voice," Fathul ( right ) said.

"Meet with them and speak to them softly and kindly. This is emphasised in religion and we should act better than them, not stoop so low as to repeat what they do," he said to applause from the delegates.

This was the proper way and required in Islam, and it is not the way ‘they' were doing now.

"This should be Umno's culture to practise, for what is important is to achieve unity of the Muslims," he added.

No limitations in Umno

Fathul, who is the son of a former Perlis mufti, is among the several religious scholars who joined Umno last year in a highly publicised affair, on the efforts of former Perlis menteri besar Shahidan Kassim.

He was one of the speakers to participate in the debate on religion, education and social issues.

Fathul said that since he joined Umno, there have been no limits set on what he could or could on not say.

"I have not received any orders on not say this or that. I can speak on a wide range of topics, from hudud and even to remind others.

"So I value the freedom that is given here," he said, adding that this was the proper way to run the party.

Fathul said the reason why many religious scholars decided to join "the other party" is because they are shunned by Umno.

"Hence, I plead with you do not shun them, be close to them. Invite them and ask for their views," he said.

‘Meet our students in the Middle East'

Fathul also advised Umno to regularly visit Malaysian students who are studying in the Middle Eastern countries.

"Meet with them, explain the government's policies and be close to them. Ask about their problems and do not sideline them."

He emphasised that Islam required Muslims to be faithful to God, the Prophet Muhammad and their leaders.

Here, he explained, to be loyal to the leader means as long as this did not go against the religion.

This, Fathul said, was the wasatiyah (moderate) concept emphasised, to be loyal to the leaders or the government, as long as it did not violate the syariah (Islamic laws and principles).

Fathul also said that following the presidential address and the conclusion of the assembly today, Umno members have the amanah (trust) placed on them to implement and propagate the message of the party president.