All states have been urged by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to gazette an anti-Shiite fatwa to check the Shiite belief from spreading as it will bring negative consequences and divide Muslims.

All state governments should study the matter and emulate Kedah's example, he said in Alor Setar today. The state, which is helmed by his son Mukhriz, announced recently that it will gazette anti-Shiite fatwa.

NONE "From what we know, Shiite will bring war, hostility and killings. We are lucky as we are members of the Sunnah Wal Jamaah and followers of Imam Shafie, where there is no difference and hostility.

"Iran has a lot of Shiites. It is not good to bring the belief here as it can lead to hostility and divide the Muslim community," Mahathir told reporters when visiting Pekan Rabu.

Menteri Besar Mukhriz had announced that the Kedah government will gazette an anti-Shiite fatwa to check the belief from spreading.

The anti-Shiite fatwa has already been gazetted at national level.

Mukhriz reportedly said although the spread of Shiite in Kedah was under control, it did not mean that the state was free of the belief.

Mahathir also said the proposal to merge the Chinese dominated MCA, Gerakan and the Sarawak United People's Party was a good idea.

"It will benefit if they continue to support the BN. Saying that the Chinese cannot support the Malays is not right.

"This country will be destroyed if the Malays and the Chinese are not united," he added.

- Bernama

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