Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin, a former information minister said
Malays and Islam were under pressure due to the concept of moderation
introduced by Najib, although there were signs the concept was on the wrong
track.
He cited a recent statement by Johor Umno youth vice-chief
Khairul Anwar Rahmat, who said that moderation was unsuitable for certain
issues, saying it reflected the thoughts and opinions of the Umno grassroots.
Khairul said the concept of moderation must be placed in the right place and used at the right time.
Khairul said the concept of moderation must be placed in the right place and used at the right time.
"The concept of moderation is not suitable to be used
when it involves religious struggle and the upholding of shariah law," he
quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.
Zainuddin said brave and courageous voices to defend the
character and pride of the Malays were no longer coming from Umno, but from non-governmental
organisations.
"The likes of Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia and Perkasa have
taken up the fight for Malay rights as the voices from Umno, including Umno
Youth, have fallen silent.
"Umno members and leaders have been intimidated into
keeping mum for fear of being seen as extremists or irrelevant on the global
stage."
Zainuddin said Khairul was right in saying it was better to
fight till the bitter end as being too engrossed in moderation would result in
average, instead of devout, Muslims.
"While Najib has succeeded in his efforts to promote
Malaysia as a moderate Muslim country to the global community, it has had a
negative impact internally.
- "The character and tradition of Islam, as well as its position as the official religion of Malaysia, has been challenged by various provocations with the intention of denting the pride of the religion."
- In a comment on Attorney-General’s decision not to prosecute Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali, Zainuddin said: "What is the motive of the opposition in questioning the decision not to prosecute Ibrahim?
- “They claim that there is no justice or Islamic moderation in Malaysia.”
- He said The Star managing director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai had come forward and questioned the apparent double standards involved in the non-prosecution of Ibrahim.
- "Of course, The Star has been given the trust by Najib to champion the cause and concept of moderation."
- Zainuddin said many did not understand that the concept of moderation had placed Umno and Malays in a difficult position.
- "They are afraid of being seen as extremists, hence they keep mum while Islam comes under attack from various individuals and groups," Zainuddin said.
- "Even Najib was afraid of defending Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri when she revealed the Attorney-General's decision not to prosecute Ibrahim."
He added that recent negative developments had made Muslims
feel empty when Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein(photo) promised that Umno would
continue to champion Islam, the Malays and the
Malay rulers.
"Hishammuddin's promise has invited various problems as
the concept of moderation has put Malays and Islam in a defensive position with
attacks coming from all sides.
"In a war, when one side has been put in a defensive
position, it means that it is already on the verge of defeat," he said,
adding that was how Malays and Islam felt right now.
Source: The Malaysian Insider
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