![[UPDATED] ‘God’s enemies’ speech no snipe at any party, politician: PAS man](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/Syeikh_Muhd_Zainul_Asri_Mohd_Romli_screen_grab_pic.png)
KUALA LUMPUR – A former deputy chief of PAS’ Kedah Ulama Council has apologised for a political speech during the Kedah Berselawat assembly on Saturday, in which he had controversially appeared to apply fiery religious rhetoric ahead of the upcoming state election.
Syeikh Zainul Asri Mohd Romli claimed that although the speech was not directed at any party, it had been misinterpreted.
“I apologise profusely to the Muslims and all Malaysians who were offended and touched by the provocative speech.
“I did not aim the speech at any party or direct it to any politician or anyone,” he said in a video posted on Twitter today.
In his speech to a crowd, Zainul had reportedly said, “May God protect Kedah from falling into the hands of God’s enemies”.
Following the event, Pakatan Harapan yesterday lodged a police report against Zainul at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here.
PH’s media mobilisation bureau chief Muhammad Yahaya said the phrase used by Zainul contained words of propaganda that implied only PAS and Perikatan Nasional are with Allah, while the other parties are the enemies.
According to him, the phrase was uttered at a time when Kedah is preparing for the state election, and that this could spark hatred and encourage extremism among the people.
Muhammad said the use of religious references and rhetoric in politics must be stopped, because it is feared that they could be misinterpreted and lead to violence and religious extremism.
He added that it was religious terms like “jihad” that led to the establishment of groups like Al Maunah and incited the Memali tragedy. – The Vibes, June 27, 2023
