There is no need for a debate on the two major faiths in Islam – Sunni and Syiah – as it will not solve the problem, says Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected a call to have an open debate to end the dispute between two the largest sectarian belief in Islam – the Sunni and Syiah.
Ahmad Zahid was commenting on a statement made by Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Hasmy Agam last week that a more intellectual discussion was needed to deal with the controversial subject.
“There is no need for a dialogue because it has nothing to do with human rights.
“What is there to discuss? This is a problem between to sects, not about humans,” he told FMT today.
In a recent report, Hasmy Agam has called for talks between the country’s predominant Sunni Muslims and the minority Syiah Muslims.
Hasmy Agam said the freedom to practise different faiths under the Federal Constitution should be extended to other denominations within Islam.
Ahmad Zahid then slammed the Syiah teaching by labelling its followers as cheaters, liars and pretenders.
“This is about the akidah (faith) of a Muslim. I can’t let this happen,” he said.
According to Washington-based Pew Research Centre, Syiahism is the second largest denomination of Islam, making up 10% to 20% of the global Muslim population of about 1.6 billion.
The issue has caught the attention of many international scholars who described it as a violation against freedom of religion.
Many have also accused the government of being a hypocrite as Malaysia is seen to have a good relationship with Iran, a predominantly Syiah Muslim nation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected a call to have an open debate to end the dispute between two the largest sectarian belief in Islam – the Sunni and Syiah.Ahmad Zahid was commenting on a statement made by Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Hasmy Agam last week that a more intellectual discussion was needed to deal with the controversial subject.
“There is no need for a dialogue because it has nothing to do with human rights.
“What is there to discuss? This is a problem between to sects, not about humans,” he told FMT today.
In a recent report, Hasmy Agam has called for talks between the country’s predominant Sunni Muslims and the minority Syiah Muslims.
Hasmy Agam said the freedom to practise different faiths under the Federal Constitution should be extended to other denominations within Islam.
Ahmad Zahid then slammed the Syiah teaching by labelling its followers as cheaters, liars and pretenders.
“This is about the akidah (faith) of a Muslim. I can’t let this happen,” he said.
According to Washington-based Pew Research Centre, Syiahism is the second largest denomination of Islam, making up 10% to 20% of the global Muslim population of about 1.6 billion.
The issue has caught the attention of many international scholars who described it as a violation against freedom of religion.
Many have also accused the government of being a hypocrite as Malaysia is seen to have a good relationship with Iran, a predominantly Syiah Muslim nation.
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