Pas calls Perlis mufti an 'Umno stooge'

KUALA LUMPUR: For his criticism of those responsible for "closing" the minds of Muslims, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has now become the target of Pas.

The Perlis mufti has been described as an alat Umno (an Umno stooge) in an article on the front page of its website Harakahdaily.net .

Kedah Umno religious bureau chairman Basorri Abu Hassan, who was shocked when he saw the article, said that it was unforgivable for an Islamic party to use such words against a well-respected religious scholar.

"Even if you don’t agree with him, you must respect the position of a mufti.

"Pas has resorted to such a low-class tactic. It will only reflect badly on the party."

He added that when he first saw the website on Sunday, the word alat was actually barua (pimp).

This word was replaced yesterday morning.

He also said the article was taken from another website Detikdaily, believed to be owned by Pas members, which still retained the word barua used in the original article.

The original article, written by one Pak Tam Mat, was headlined Mufti Asri sudah jadi "barua" Umno (Asri the Mufti has become a pimp for Umno).

The Harakahdaily headline was changed to Mufti Perlis sudah jadi alat Umno serang pembangkang (Perlis Mufti has become a stooge for Umno to attack the Opposition).

Basorri, who is also Jerai Umno Youth chief, said it was silly for Pas to attack Dr Mohd Asri who was not a politician but a state mufti, and appointed by the Raja of Perlis.

Dr Mohd Asri said he was disappointed with the use of such words to describe him, as it would once again reflect badly on Muslims and Islam.

"I am open and prepared to be criticised. I am ready to discuss and debate with anyone who has knowledge of Islam.

"But name calling and crude language is a reflection of the lowest level of intellect."

The Perlis mufti had allegedly made remarks that hurt the feelings of ultra-conservative Muslims, such as his call for religious authorities to stop spying for khalwat (close proximity) and to treat Muslim women with dignity.