YOURSAY | ‘As educated people, we should learn to distinguish between politics and sports.’

Asri scores one for Khairy on barred Israeli athletes

Basically: Just when you think Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin has got his head screwed on right, he goes ahead and proves us wrong.

How sad that an intelligent-thinking man and mufti cannot rise above the politics of Israel-Palestine, when Israelis and Palestinians themselves - Jews and Muslims - are trying hard over there to mend fences and fight hatred with acts of friendship.

Malaysia, as a country, need not take sides in what is essentially a political conflict in which there are no angels on either side. As a mufti, Asri should concentrate on guiding Malaysians spiritually instead of telling them to hate one side over another.

Furthermore, what the Zionist government did to Palestinian homes in the West Bank is deplorable; but what did the likes of Asri do when bulldozers ran over Kg Hakka Mantin a few years back? The police even kept the protesting villagers at bay and arrested some politicians trying to stop the demolition.

Likewise in other parts of Malaysia where the occupants/victims of such land grabs are not of the master race – and sometimes, even when they are. For example, what about the demolition of Orang Asli land in Pengerang, Gua Musang, Sarawak, etc?

Let's not practise double standards, Asri.

Hamzah Paiman: Asri, are you saying that the government of Israel is equivalent to Israel? So, is Umno-BN equivalent to Malaysia? Would it then be justified if people burn our national flag because of the deeds and behaviour of Umno-BN?

As educated people, we should learn to distinguish between politics and sports. Apart from that, Palestine is not Islam; it is merely a country. They also have Christians residing there.

So please be aware of all these, Asri, before we even share our two cents worth.

Oh Ya?: The normally righteous Asri is wrong this time. His views are obviously influenced on religious grounds.

Don't get me wrong. Indeed, Israeli's abuses of the Palestinians should be condemned in no uncertain terms.

But if human rights abuse is a criterion for disallowing a country and its citizens from participating in the sports and athletic arena, many countries - including Malaysia, which has a poor human rights record to date - would be banned too.

HaveAgreatDay: I am disappointed to read of the mufti's support for our government. Such unsporting behaviour.

I am now very sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, having seen first hand how badly they are treated by the Zionist occupying forces. Yet, there is a need to distinguish that with our country's responsibility as host of an international sports event.

If we will not issue visas to Israeli athletes, has this fact been revealed to the international sports body when our country was given the right to host the event?

Anonymous_1371547149: Asri, don't just talk from a religious point of view. Are you familiar with the documents on the bid process and the requirements to follow if Malaysia successfully bids to host the tournament?

Malaysia shouldn't bid to be a host for international events if it cannot follow through all the requirements of the bid. Or even pretend to agree to follow, and then renege at the last minute.

If so, Malaysia should only play host to Quran reading competitions then.

Tell the Truth: Asri, what has sports to do with politics? Don’t be narrow-minded. I am disappointed in your attitude.

Like any commoner, the Israeli surfer does not make political decisions for the country, so why penalise him?

You are no different from Umno Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Tan Kim Keong: Agreed that sports cannot be separated from humanitarianism.

Let’s see what mufti Asri would say if our world squash champion Nicol David is denied a visa to defend her title in an international squash tournament by the country hosting the sports event because it is vehemently against institutionalised racism.

Institutionalised racism and its effects are indeed the antithesis of humanitarianism, after all.

Kit P: If Malaysia wants to be a credible host for international sporting events, it should not be denying visas to competitors for purely political reasons.

The individuals concerned are not suspected of any criminal or terrorist activities, so visas should not have been unreasonably denied them.

GE14now!: Of course you would support Khairy. By the very same token then, do not get upset when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says that Muslims should be barred from entering the US for a period of time.

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