PUTRAJAYA, March 18 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today questioned the agenda of the PAS head of the Central Ulama Council, Datuk Harun Taib(Pic), in describing the death of security forces personnel in the intrusion and exchange of fire incidents in Lahad Datu, Sabah as “worldly martyrdom”.
He said the statement by Harun last Saturday in Kuala Terengganu went against the decision of the National Fatwa Council Committee for Islamic Affairs (Fatwa Committee) which met on March 6. He said the Fatwa Committee had stated that members of the security forces who were killed in the intrusion issue in Sabah came under the category of
“martyrs in the hereafter” because they died while defending the lives, property, families of the people as well as national integrity and sovereignty.
“What we regret is that even in the case of martyrdom, it is being politicised to the extent that it contradicts the decision of the Fatwa Committee. What is the real agenda of the opposition? One of the opposition leaders had claimed that it was a drama of the government led by Umno.
“This is not the time to politicise a very serious matter concerning national sovereignty, the lives of the security forces personnel and national integrity to be kicked around according to one’s political desires,” he said at the handing over of the letter of offer for performing the haj pilgrimage to candidates of the special haj programme for the year 1434H/2013 sponsored by the 1MDB Foundation, here today.
The Prime Minister also urged every Malaysian to demonstrate their loyalty to the country. Meanwhile, Najib said the government had practiced the concept of ‘wasatiyyah’ or moderation in looking for a solution when facing issues on the
armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah recently. Firstly, he said, the government did not act hastily because it wanted to avoid bloodshed.
“If it can be resolved amicably, especially between the Muslims themselves, even if they intrude into our country bearing arms, we still give them a chance because we do not want anyone being killed and eventually there will be bloodshed.
“On the other hand, if this opportunity is not reciprocated and they turn against us, then it is obligatory for us to fight them.
“This is in line with the obligations in Islam after we have offered an opportunity for peace, the opponents declare war against us. Thus we must defend our lives, property, land and country.
“This is the Islamic principle that cannot be disputed by anyone,” he added.
BERNAMA
