PAS Dewan Ulama chief defends Sanusi's karaoke outing

PAS MUKTAMAR l Dewan Ulama PAS today came to the defence of Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who was criticised by delegates for doing karaoke activities.

Its leader, Ahmad Yahaya, said he was not blindly defending the menteri besar, but what Sanusi did was not in conflict with Islamic law.

Ahmad said he had been friends with Sanusi for a long time and that there was no element of sin in what the latter had done.

“We know his heart and soul. He always strives for more when he is entrusted to look after the state. He wants to please the people and he is ready whenever he is asked to take pictures, take selfies and sing.

“The Dewan Ulama pays attention and sees what is not evil. Evil is an agreed upon sin, an act that is prohibited,” he said when delivering the concluding speech of the 70th PAS muktamar at Al-Makmur Complex, in Kerdau, Temerloh, today.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Perlis PAS representative Mohd Saifizi Saidon slammed the party’s leadership for allegedly failing to monitor the quality of leaders and menteris besar in the states led by the party.

He said the morals and fundamentals of Islamic leadership have been neglected compared to the past when PAS was strict in regulating its leadership, including participation in karaoke activities.

Although he did not mention any names, Saifizi is believed to be referring to Sanusi regarding the karaoke issue.

‘Ok if not against Islamic law’

Ahmad said activities such as singing, playing sports and the like can be done as long as they do not conflict with Islamic law.

He said Sanusi also welcomed it when asked to read the Quran in the opening ceremony of the Sanusi Quran Festival.

“Not only on the football field, kabaddi, but anything requested by the people - as long as it does not conflict with religion, it will be accepted.

“I want to illustrate this is the attitude and stance taken by the Council of Ulama. We do not defend ourselves blindly.

“We have a reason to give opportunities to our leaders to approach all parties and segments of society,” he explained.

The Pokok Sena MP added that not many people are ready to be invited to karaoke.

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