KUALA LUMPUR — In our nation’s politics, religion and ethnicity often play significant roles and nothing can highlight this more than the issue of DAP’s Howard Lee quoting the Quran.
This has brought much attention to this complex relationship between religion and politics as Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said PAS seemed to be comfortable with and had no issues when it was allies with DAP.
Sharing his thoughts on Facebook, he advised Lee against using Quranic verses in political speeches to prevent any potential misinterpretation for political gain.
He also pointed out that PAS, a party with a strong Islamic foundation, once had no qualms when they were allies with DAP, and non-Muslim DAP members utilised Quranic verses in their political discussions.
He said the historical perspective was crucial because it showed that political alliances sometimes matter more than religious rules.
When PAS and DAP were partners in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, they worked together despite their different beliefs.
During that time, it seems that PAS was more accepting of DAP members using Quranic verses in their speeches.
But politics is always changing, and alliances can break under new pressures.
With the end of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition and changing loyalties, the unwritten rules about using religious references seem to have shifted.
Asyraf suggested that while it's okay to talk about religion in politics, it should be done carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
The Howard Lee issue isn't just a small matter as it reflects bigger tensions in Malaysian politics.
The police are now investigating the matter and it's become a topic in the Pelangai by-election campaign.
Kedah PAS Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, is using the issue to suggest that Malaysia is becoming more liberal.
This has also led to many videos being shared in social media, especially in TikTok.
There are videos showing non-Muslims quoting Quranic verses during events hosted by PAS or Perikatan Nasional.
These videos suggest that PAS is inconsistent and their double standards – they praise non-Muslims for quoting the Quran but on the other hand, criticise non-Muslim DAP members for doing the same.
This situation makes us think about the role of religious texts in politics.
Should religious texts or verses be used in the rough world of politics, or should there be clear rules about when and how they can be mentioned?
This is just a small part of the bigger challenges in Malaysia. It's a place where religion, individual rights, and politics often mix. — The Vibes, September 24, 2023
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