The Unity Government does not ignore the position of Islam

NIBONG TEBAL: The leadership of the Unity Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has never ignored the position of Islam as the official religion, instead always trying to do its best to ensure that the religion is preserved.

According to Bernama, Umno Secretary General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the opposition’s claim that the position of Islam is now being neglected under the unity government is baseless, and is even deliberately created to win over voters during the election.

“I mention this because I observe the tribal talks over there every night, the issues being played out, as if Islam is being challenged, the privileges of the Malays are being challenged.

“… but, as long as we create a Unity Government in which there are 19 political parties that respect each other, God willing we will ensure that this country continues to be concerned with understanding this reality (the position of Islam),” he said when speaking at the Unity Lecture at the Center Tasek Junjong Voting District, Simpang Ampat here last night.

Also present were the Deputy President of the Amanah Negara Party (AMANAH) Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof and the Vice President of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Earlier, Mujahid in the same speech, urged voters in Sungai Bakap to reject candidates and parties that do not have the ‘political will’ to strengthen unity for the well-being of future generations.

He said that in order to develop the country, a leader and his party should be far-sighted and have big ambitions to give the best to the next generation, not just thinking about trivial matters for personal and party interests.

“I’m saying this because we should give opportunities to forward-thinking figures and candidates to get a mandate, not just thinking about their (party’s) fate whether they win or not in the next election.

“Such a leader is dwarfed in his thinking, and will not even be able to accept decisions made by the government, for example the need to target diesel subsidies, even though it is done to ensure the fate of future generations is guaranteed by reducing leakages in subsidies and so on,” he said.

The Sungai Bakap state by-election on July 6 saw Pakatan Harapan candidate Joohari Ariffin challenged by PAS Vice-President Nibong Tebal Abidin Ismail representing Perikatan Nasional (PN) in a one-on-one clash.

The Sungai Bakap state seat which has 39,279 voters consisting of 39,222 ordinary voters and 57 policemen is vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 last due to inflammation in the stomach.