The theme of the BN manifesto, ‘Menepati Janji, Membawa Harapan’ (Fulfilling Promise, Bringing Hope) launched by Najib Abdul Razak last week, also became the title of the Friday sermon issued by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

In fact, the contents of the khutbah (sermon) delivered by mosques across the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory were similar in tone to that of the BN election rhetorics, including stressing on the importance of loyalty and gratitude to the government in how they have carried out its responsibilities.

NONE “Believe, loyalty to the country’s government of today, which has proven to always defend Islam, especially in the issue of the word Allah and (who has) successfully defended the fate of the people, is greatly demanded,” goes a snippet of sermon.

BN has before this criticised Pakatan Rakyat’s lenient stand on the use of the word Allah in the Malay version of the Bible in the country.

Meanwhile, the Jakim-prepared sermon also praised “the government’s wisdom” in carrying out its responsibility based on the Maqasid Al-Shariah concept (on syariah principles).

“Look and defend what has been done by the country’s government for the sake of the purity of religion, life, intellect, pride, ancestry and also property. It is all based on the interests of the rakyat and the country.

“Therefore, as wise people, we must be thankful for all that we enjoy and appreciate the government, and compare out situation with Muslims in neighbouring countries,” the sermon states.

It goes on to say, in an apparent reference to the May 5 general election, that it is the responsibility of the people to “defend” this and not let emotions cloud their decision-making.

This is not the first time the religious body has prepared sermons which though on current issued, often taking a similar stance to that taken by BN, such as the incident involving the stomping of Najib’s photograph and its anti-Bersih sentiment.

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