The Malay rulers were today urged to exercise their power as heads of religion in their respective state, to put a stop to individuals or political parties exploiting Islam to enhance their political mileage.

Influential Malay daily Utusan Malaysia said in its editorial today that the National Fatwa Council has a limited power in dealing with such cases.

"The council is only empowered to issue the fatwa (decree) on such cases and at most advise them. The fatwa would not help much unless it gets the consent and cooperation of the palace," the paper said.

The council has issued a reminder that it is wrong under Islam to link going to heaven in the afterlife with support to particular individuals or organisations. It called for an immediate end to such practices to avoid confusing Muslims.

Its chairperson, Dr Ismail Ibrahim, said in a statement on Monday that such practices are also tantamount to spreading deviant teachings.

Divine rewards

The reminder came in the wake of the current controversy arising from Kelantan Menteri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's statement last week that divine rewards awaited in the afterlife of those who voted for the opposition party in the 1990 general election.

According to Utusan , the government can enforce the law against such exploitations of Islam, but it would be wiser if the Malay rulers could help resolve this problem amicably.

"We hope the Malay rulers could see this unhealthy development, and do something to avoid certain individuals or parties from issuing statements that are contrary to the teachings of Islam," the daily said.

The rulers should act to stop the misuse of religion for political interest which, if not contained immediately, could split the Malays, Utusan said.