Perlis mufti Juanda Jaya expressed his disappointment with a local Malay daily which he claimed has “turned his statement upside down” on the issue of whether PAS has misused the word ‘Islam’ in its name.

The report published by Umno-linked Berita Harian today claimed that he agreed with Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria’s view that the National Fatwa Council should review the name of PAS.

NONE However, Juanda argued that the reporter should highlight his stance that the issue be left to Harussani who is more senior in the council.

“They turned my statement upside down. They should have placed my statement that I leave it to Harussani whether to bring the matter to the council at the beginning of the story.

“Then only followed by my statement that not only PAS, but all groups named with the word ‘Islam’ should be studied,” he told Malaysiakini when asked about the accuracy of the news report.

Both Juanda and Harussani are members of the fatwa council.

 

Berita Harian quoted Juanda as saying that he agreed with Harussani’s view because there were many allegations against organisations that use the word ‘Islam’ in their names, but tarnish the religion.

The report added that he left it to Harussani to consider whether the issue should be brought up to the fatwa council.

'They want to belittle a mufti'

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Juanda said he was disappointed with the perangai hodoh or "bad attitude" of that reporter.

“Even a mufti they want to belittle, what is going to happen to the Malays?” he asked, adding that the review of names should cover all organisations that use ‘Islam’ and not just PAS alone.

The issue was first raised by Malay rights group Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali, who urged the fatwa council to discuss on the suitability of PAS using the word ‘Islam’ in the party’s name.

Harussani then responded that he was ready to raise the issue in the council.

In 2001, the Council of Malay Rulers had given the green light for associations and political parties to use the word ‘Islam’ in their names.

However, individuals and associations are prohibited from abusing the word or using it to confuse people because it is against Islamic teachings.

BH denies wrongdoing

In an emailed statement to Malaysiakini late this evening, Berita Harian deputy group editor Mahfar Ali denied any miswording of Juanda’s comments.

Mahfar, who attached the text message exchanges between the reporter and Juanda, said the latter did not specify that his reply to the first question be prioritised in the report.

“Thus, the reporter who wrote the article had prioritised news value based on the issue and questions that were raised.

“ Berita Harian deeply regrets Juanda’s statement, with the use of strong language, which alleged that the reporter displayed a ‘stupid attitude’,” said Mahfar.

He stressed that the Juanda’s words were not “turned upside down” as he claimed and that his statements can mislead readers into thinking that Berita Harian did not base its reports on facts.