The National Fatwa Committee should comment on the fundamental issue of electoral fraud instead on just focussing on demonstrations arising from the problem, said PAS’ Ulama wing today.

pas muktamar 2004 270804 harun taib speech “To demonstrate in order to voice opinions is based on the obligations of ‘ amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar ’ (to maintain what is right and forbid what is wrong) that Islam requires,” said Ulama chief Harun Taib in a statement.

He reasoned that since Bersih 3.0 is intended to highlight Bersih demands on electoral fraud, it thus represents part of the said obligation that is required of all Muslims.

“Without provocation from certain parties, the peaceful Bersih 3.0 demonstration would not have turned chaotic,” he added.

He was responding to the National Fatwa Committee’s declaration yesterday that demonstrations that are “unproductive, is against the law or causes disturbance in the country” are haram.   

NONE According to Bernama , its chairperson Abdul Shukor Husin said “rioting, causing disturbances and damaging public property” and attempts to “topple a duly elected government” through demonstrations was forbidden by Islam, citing the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur on April 28 as an example.

Following the Saturday rally, the government has taken every opportunity in the mainstream media to paint the rally for electoral reform as a “ mob ” responsible for creating chaos in the capital city.

Critics however have blamed the police for using “ excessive force ” for creating the tense situation that erupted after Bersih organisers had called for the crowds to disperse.

bersih 3 rally 040512 zw04 Meanwhile Ulama secretary Khairuddin Aman Razali similarly remarked that the Committee’s panel should not just express the “narrow view” of the demonstration but needs to offer views on fraud and corruption.

He cited examples such as the issuing of ICs to foreigners, the granting of citizenships for illegitimate political aims, the use of government agencies for political campaigning and fraud in the electoral system.

In doing so, he said, the committee would be seen as “competent, and not only as a tool of the ruling party, and even embody the voice of ‘ amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar ’ for the rakyat”.