Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir urged Muslims to appreciate the significance of true 'jihad' (holy war) and its difference from militant activities.     

Mukhriz observed that most individuals involved in militant activities erroneously considered it as a jihad to help another Islamic country facing internal conflicts, such as Syria.  

"But this is against Malaysia's non-interference policy. We don't even know which side is right. We only know that it's a civil war which has nothing to do with us.

"I'm puzzled as to what makes these militants tick, which leads them to even sacrifice their precious lives for such a vague objective," he told a press conference after launching Kedah Organics in Kuala Lumpur today.    

He was commenting on the widespread Internet allegations of Ustaz Lotfi Ariffin of Baling, Kedah, being involved with the Mujahideen to topple the Syrian government under President Bashar Al-Assad.   

Mukhriz voiced grave concern over the reports which claimed there was ongoing secret militant training in Kedah for the purpose of jihad abroad.   

"I'm wary when anyone from Kedah, or Malaysia for that matter, seeks to interfere in the affairs of another country, especially when it comes to war," he said.

"I also heard that Malaysians have died in such wars. My point is, what is the meaning of all this? It has nothing to do with us whatsoever," he emphasised.

Kedah to study PAS hudud proposal

On a separate development, as to whether Kedah will follow Kelantan's move to propose the enforcement of 'hudud' (Islamic penal law), Mukhriz said it was too early to say as there were many aspects to consider and the process was lengthy.    

He said the Kedah government needed to study in detail Kelantan's proposal first.

"This is very important as there are many issues, such as the type of hudud law proposed. We're open but at the same time we have to look at their proposal first," he added.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom announced a federal-level technical committee to study the Kelantan government's proposal to enforce the Syariah Criminal Code (II) Enactment 1993 in the state.

The committee will comprise representatives from the federal government, Kelantan state government and PAS.

- Bernama