[UPDATED] Anwar converting Indian youth a request from Klang Perkim leader

PETALING JAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s involvement in the conversion of an Indian youth at a Klang mosque last week was due to a request from the local leader of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (Perkim). 

According to a clarification provided by Perkim’s Klang chapter chief Hushim Salleh, the conversion event was initially planned at its office rather than the mosque.  

However, the situation unfolded unexpectedly when Anwar arrived at the mosque after visiting the families affected by the tragic Elmina plane crash. 

The mosque is located opposite the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah hospital in Klang.

In a video posted in social media, he highlighted that both the request for Anwar’s participation and his agreement to be part of the event were spontaneous. 

After the prayers, Anwar informed his team about a scheduled program at 3pm, but upon Hushim’s request to convert Muhammad Anuar, the Indian youth, the prime minister agreed to participate.

Anwar faced much criticism for his role in the conversion that took place at Masjid Jamek Ar-Rahimiah in Klang. 

Some had perceived the act as a lack of religious sensitivity, while the Global Human Rights Foundation had alleged that the prime minister had overlooked the feelings of non-Muslims. 

Hushim urged all parties to refrain from prolonging the issue and avoid casting negative judgments on the prime minister.

He emphasised that the Indian youth, Muhammad Anuar, had personally requested Anwar’s involvement in his conversion and even sought to adopt a name similar to the prime minister’s after the conversion.

Hushim called for a stop to speculation on the matter and encouraged everyone to avoid exacerbating the situation. – The Vibes, August 22, 2023