It is imperative for Muslims to examine news from foreign sources due to concerns that such information might contain slander or lies to topple a certain quarter, said an academic.

Speaking to Umno Online, Prof Hanafiah Harun cautioned Malaysians, especially Muslims, to be vigilant about allegations against the leadership, especially by outsiders who could have an agenda or wanted to meddle in the country’s administration.

“Whatever information we receive, as Muslims, we must investigate its veracity before believing it,” he said, adding that the Quran also underscored the importance of circumspection with regard to news from people who are fasik or untrustworthy.

“On issues relating to the national leadership, it (the information) is based not only on those who are fasik, but they are kafir (infidels) as well.

“If we must investigate information from people who are fasik, what more news and information from infidels,” he argued.

Hanafiah was responding to the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) court filings alleging the abuse of 1MDB funds.

On this matter, the professor stressed the importance of checking the information as opposed to blindly accepting it.

“We are concerned that the information comes from those who aim to divide the people and cause upheaval in the country’s politics for their respective agendas,” he said.

News was a lie

Hanafiah also recalled the news of how the French court purportedly wanted to charge Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak over the Scorpene submarine deal issue.

“Back then, there was an uproar about our PM being charged in a French court following the submarine purchase and the murder case of Altantuya (Shaariibuu).

“Until now, there has been no such thing. It is clear the news was a lie spread by certain quarters to tarnish the country’s leadership.

“There was also talk of how the FBI wanted to arrest Najib over the 1MDB issue, but nothing happened.

“In fact, after the news was spread, Najib attended the United Nations conference in New York, and no FBI agent came to arrest him,” he pointed out.

Reiterating his warning, Hanafiah said such information was circulated by those with a political motive who sought to confuse the people.

Najib has repeatedly denied abusing public funds for personal gain and blamed such allegations on those conspiring to topple him.

Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali has also cleared the prime minister of any wrongdoing.

The DOJ suits named Najib’s stepson Riza Aziz and businessman Jho Low, who is said to be close to the prime minister’s family.

The court filings also referred to one “Malaysian Official 1" 36 times.

Although the official’s name was not mentioned, the opposition and certain quarters claimed that there is sufficient information to indicate it is Najib.