Govt doesn't neglect position of Islam - Asyraf

SG BAKAP BY-ELECTION | The leadership of the coalition government under Anwar Ibrahim has never ignored the position of Islam as the official religion. Instead, it has always been trying to do its best to ensure the religion is protected, said Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said the opposition’s claim that the position of Islam is now being neglected under the coalition government is baseless and deliberately made to win voters over during the Sungai Bakap by-election.

“I mention this because I observe the talks of the factions over there every night, the issues were being played, as if Islam is being challenged, the privileges of the Malays are being challenged.

“...but, as long as we establish a unity government in which there are 19 political parties that respect each other, God willing we will ensure that this country continues to be concerned with understanding this reality (the position of the Islamic religion),” Asyraf (above) said at the Unity Ceramah at the Tasek Junjong Voting District Centre, Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal last night.

Also present were Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof and PKR vice-president Aminuddin Harun.

Earlier, Mujahid in the same ceramah, urged voters in Sungai Bakap to reject candidates and parties that lack the political will to strengthen unity for the well-being of future generations.

He said to develop the country, a leader and his party must have a long-term vision and strong ambition to provide the best for the next generation, rather than focusing on trivial matters to look out for personal and party interests.

“I’m saying this because we should give the mandate to visionary leaders and candidates, not those who merely are concerned about whether their party wins or loses in the next election.

“Such narrow-minded leaders will not even be able to accept the decision made by the government, for example, the need for targeted diesel subsidies, even though it is done to ensure the fate of future generations is guaranteed by reducing leakages in subsidies and so on,” he said.

The Sungai Bakap state by-election on July 6 will see Pakatan Harapan candidate Joohari Ariffin challenged by Nibong Tebal PAS vice-president Abidin Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional in a straight fight.

The by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

- Bernama

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