PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu has challenged National Fatwa Council chairperson Abdul Shukor Husin to head the next Bersih rally, claiming it is his “duty” as an Islamic scholar.

“This is the duty of the scholars, to oppose vices and uphold the truth,” said Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, in an interview with new online radio channel Radio Bangsar Utama (Rabu) last night.

NONE If Bersih co-chairpersons Ambiga Sreenevasan or A Samad Said are unsuitable for the job, then Abdul Shukor ( left ) should be up for it, he said.

The National Fatwa Council had in May declared it was “ haram (not permissible)” for Muslims to participate in any gathering or demonstration that is unproductive, is against the law or causes disturbance in the country.

The decision, viewed as a move against the Bersih 3.0 rally in April, was lambasted by several quarters including PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Mat Sabu cited the Iranian revolution, where demonstrations were headed by ayatollahs (Muslim clerics), and compared it unfavourably to the fatwa council in Malaysia.

“During the start of the revolution in Iran (in late 1970s), the youths who gathered at Tehran were led by ayatollahs .

“Why is it that in Malaysia the religious groups, especially those in the government, are merely spectators and minders of swindlers?”

“I challenge the chairperson of the National Fatwa Council to chair Bersih in the future,” he declared, adding that declining would imply support for “ kotor (uncleanliness)”.

NONE Mohamad also lamented how khutbah (religious sermons) were being manipulated for government propaganda.

The sermons are subject to the wishes of those in power, and are sometimes outdated in their messages, he said.

“Sometimes (the sermons) do not keep up with the times. We see the sermons as following the wishes of the ruling class, and leaning towards propaganda.

“For example, a sermon about eating local fruits; It’s not that it is bad, but there are bigger matters being faced by Muslims, such as the matter of welfare states, corruption and so on,” he said.

He added that Friday prayers are still “untouchable” and mandatory, however.

Last April, a khatib (person who delivers sermons) came under fire for his khutbah which was seen as an anti-PTPTN speech by several people in the congregation.