Kelantan folk slam Dr M for attacks on MB

Dr Mahathir had accused Nik Aziz of compromising his religion for political power. — file pic

KOTA BARU, Sept 27 — The Kelantan public have questioned Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Islamic credentials after the former prime minister labelled the state’s popular mentri besar as a religious sell-out for working with non-Muslims.
On Saturday, Dr Mahathir accused Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat of jeopardising PAS’s Islamic philosophy for political expediency, saying the party's spiritual leader was not above interpreting the Quran in ways that went against Islamic teachings.
The ex-premier’s claims, however, have been dismissed by some in the state’s capital, who instead questioned his credibility as an Islamic authority.
Osman Ahmad, 55, said Dr Mahathir should understand Islam before talking about the religion.
“I want to ask him first, what does he know about the religion? He is a medical student, so how can he talk about the religion? You must first know about the religion before talking.
“Anyways, anybody talking about religion must always refer to the teachings before making a decision. Since he does not know anything about the religion, that is why he can say whatever he wants,” he told The Malaysian Insider.
Osman (left) added that he believed the accusations made against Nik Aziz were baseless.
“What he said against Nik Aziz cannot be used. All of it are baseless accusations. For me, he is only talking nonsense because he was only using his head. So I think it is better if he keeps silent instead of saying something worthless,” said Osman.
Another Kota Baru resident, Mazlan Omar (right), accused Dr Mahathir hypocrisy in his attacks on PAS’s spiritual leader.
“Back then, what were the things that he allowed when he was the prime minister? Everything that is forbidden in Islam was allowed by him. I think that [if] he can differentiate between right and wrong, then why did he allow things that are forbidden in Islam when he was ruling?
“He only wants to take care of his image. That is why he made the false allegations because nobody cares what he has to say since he retired,” said the 32-year-old shop keeper.
In Saturday’s attack, Dr Mahathir had condemned Nik Aziz’s willingness to forego the party’s Islamic principles in order to appease the DAP.
“Race has been push aside and religious practice relaxed so that they can co-operate with those that are clearly the enemies of Islam. This is the result of politics from someone who is too eager in becoming the government,” he said in his first visit to Kelantan on Saturday, four years after he was sprayed with a chemical irritant at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Pengkalan Chepa.
Yusof Abdullah, 60, defended Nik Aziz and said the PAS icon has always made his decision based on Islam.
“I do not think that Nik Aziz would do something like that. This is because all of his actions have been based on the religion. After all, his is a religious man and I feel that the allegations against him are excessive and false.
“I will only believe [Dr Mahathir’s claims] if there is evidence. I am very disappointed with the allegation made by the former prime minister,” said Yusof.
Newspaper vendor Zariah Ismail said the false allegations were only damaging Dr Mahathir’s image and not Nik Aziz.
“Don’t make the accusation if it is not true because it will only bring down his image as the former prime minister.  I only ask of him to talk based on facts and not because he wants to tarnish Nik Aziz’s image,” said the 53-year-old.
Yesterday, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said it was Umno — which was led by Dr Mahathir for 22 years — who had compromised Islam for political expediency.
“Umno has failed to fulfil its responsibility. As a result, the Malays that obtained a large majority in election failed recognise the role of Islam as the religion of the federation,” said the Marang MP.
Nik Aziz also denied yesterday that he was willing to compromise religion for power and stressed that he only continuing to lead the state at the behest of the party leaders.
“Year after year, term after term, the party wanted me to continue as the MB of Kelantan,” he said.