An Umno branch leader has been distributing forms to enrol Muslims to join the call for " jihad along with Osama bin Laden against the enemies of Islam", claimed an opposition member of Parliament today.

Saupi Daud, the Keadilan MP for Tanah Merah, said the forms, found in coffee shops and madrasah were allegedly distributed by the constituency's Umno branch secretary Che Mad Rani @ Che Hamzah Chepa.

Saupi said the forms were found in the area since Oct 17 and several people have sought clarification from him.

"We have tried to lodge a police report at Bukit Panau where the forms were found but the police handed the case over to the Special Branch to investigate," Saupi told malaysiakini later at the Parliament lobby.

"We are afraid certain people might try to link us with these jihad and militant groups," he added.

The form is bright red in colour and carries a personal declaration in Malay which reads: "I, as named above and with signature below, voluntarily and without force by any group agree to 'jihad' to fight against the enemies of Islam together with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.

"Should any untoward incident happen to me, such as death, I thereby willingly hand over my properties to the names below: ..."

Earlier, Ruhanie Ahmad, the Barisan Nasional MP for Parit Sulong, refuted Saupi's allegations and said the forms could have been distributed by anyone, not necessarily an Umno member.

'No need for inter-religious council'

Meanwhile, parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Department Noh Omar said the government has no plans to set up an inter-religious council to improve religious understanding in Malaysia.

He said existing government policies were sufficient for the purpose and there was no need for such a council.

"The multi-racial communities in Malaysia live peacefully and harmoniously based on their understanding and tolerance of the different religions without extremist religious sentiments," said Noh.

"This is because they can practise and learn about their religion with confidence in a harmonious and peaceful situation," he added.

Noh was responding to a question by Chow Kon Yeow, the DAP MP for Tanjung, who asked the prime minister to state how advanced Malaysia was in terms of religious and racial understanding and tolerance.

Chow also asked whether an inter-faith council would be set up to enhance religious understanding among the followers of different faiths in the country.