'Include Sunni Islam clause in federal constitution' - Malaysiakini

UMNO ASSEMBLY In continuing urgings for sole recognition of Sunni followers as Muslims, a Penang Umno delegate has now proposed the party and government move to amend the federal constitution to include the words Islam "that is practised by ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (followers of Sunni school of Islam)".

Shahabuddin Yahya (right) who heads the Tasek Gelugor division, in tabling the motion on education and also religion, said this was necessary to differentiate between teachings, and not allow followers of deviant teachings to use Islam as a shield from action being taken against them.

"The amendment is necessary as in the past, we have seen various deviant teachings like Al Arqam and Al Maunah.

"All Muslims here must be from the ahli Sunnah wal jamaah, from either the Shafie, Maliki, Hambali and Hanafi schools of taught," he said.

The proposed amendment to Article 3 of the federal constitution, if accepted, could pose more problems for Shiite followers, already affected by ongoing government clampdown, as it is not recognised within the four schools.
During the Umno Youth delegates assembly, on Wednesday a delegate had also proposed the federal constitution be amended to only limit Islam that is practised by ahli sunnah wal jamaah.

Shahabuddin also proposed that the party constitution be amended to include Islam "as the religion of the federation" so as to be consistent with the federal constitution.

He also urged that a special commission on Islam be formed to provide uniformity in regulations for the various state Islamic councils.
Puteri Umno delegate Isfarina Mohd Bali, who seconded Shahabuddin’s motion, said the amendment to the federal constitution is needed so that the government can be pro-active in stopping the spread of Shiism and strengthening the use of ‘Allah’ by Muslims.
‘Nik Aziz also a liar’

Shahabuddin, who is also the Tasek Gelugor MP, also commented on party president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s efforts to extend an olive branch to other political parties.

“Najib is a good leader as despite being in a position of strength in holding (government position), he is willing to be compassionate in trying to be good with other opposition parties. This is hallmark of a good leader and one whom we should support,” he said.

Shahabuddin said besides the opposition leader allegedly having lied in making claims of foreign voters being brought in to vote, there is another Pakatan Rakyat leader who have also told lies.

He said the leader had claimed that in his 23 years of experience in running an opposition state, the prime minister had not extended nor opened his doors to meet him personally.

Although Shahabuddin did not name the leader specifically, he was referring to a person who is a Tok Guru, and this is believed to be former Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (left), who was quoted in Sinar Harian as saying that no invitation had been made to him over the past 23 years to meet the prime minister.

“I would like to prove that during Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s time, in 2007, the then-PM met him (Nik Aziz) when officially opening the Eastern Development Corridor.

Shahabuddin said Najib also met that person in Tumpat in 2009, and put up newspaper cuttings to show this.

“So where is the remark that the PM had not extended an invitation to meet him. All these are lies despite this person is a Tok Guru and a spiritual adviser (Mursyidul Am) of a party,” said the Tasek Gelugor Umno leader.

Nik Aziz was quoted in Sinar Harian as questioning Najib’s opening his arms to meet his successor Ahmad Yaakob in Putrajaya.

“Throughout 23 years I have been as menteri besar no open invitation was made to me,” the influential cleric was reported to have said.