KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Oct 2008: An opposition Member of Parliament ticked off those who had insulted Islam, including his Pakatan Rakyat colleagues.
Zulkifli Nordin (PKR-Kulim Bandar Baru) said in the Dewan Rakyat today there were some who questioned Jawi writings and supported apostasy.
“Our political believes might be different but our responsibility towards upholding the sovereignty of Islam is the same,” said Zulkifli while debating the Supply Bill 2009.
He added that there were groups that did not respect Muslims while some tarnished the government’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebration by putting forward demands that could disrupt harmony.
“Some might say that my statements sound like I am speaking on behalf of the ruling party (Barisan Nasional) but what I am doing is maintaining the principles of Islam. I do not care what others think because I am answerable to God for what I do,” he said.
He claimed that even the Bar Council which comprises 40% Muslims did not respect Islam as the religion of the country because it supported apostates who wanted to leave Islam.
Zulkili said in the case of Azalina Jailani, known by her Christian name Lina Joy, the Bar Council had represented the plaintiff in her efforts to become an apostate.
“The Bar Council also had an open forum to discuss issues related to Islam and that certainly became a sensitive issue because religious issues cannot be discussed in a public forum,” he said.
Zulkifli, together with Umno and PAS members, was one of the key demonstrators who protested against a Bar Council forum on religious conversion held in early August 2008. The demonstrators caused the forum to end prematurely.
PKR has yet to take any disciplinary action against Zulkifli.
In Parliament today, Zulkifli also proposed that Article 3 and 11(1) of the Federal Constitution be amended so that the sovereignty of Islam would not be questioned. — Bernama
