Be mindful of religious sensitivities, Pak Samad tells Asri

National laureate says everyone has their own beliefs and traditions, and this must be respected, especially in a multi-racial nation like ours.

PETALING JAYA: Criticisms made by those who are considered to be leaders of a community must be constructive, and have taken into account the sensitivities of every member of society, says national laureate A Samad Said.

He was commenting on Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin’s “Friday morning poem”, which slammed those who “idolise cows” for trying to have “our preacher” handed over to a “tyrannical government”.

“Even if we want to criticise, we have to make sure it is constructive. And we can talk about racial issues, but the intention must be to unite, not to split us up.

“Especially when our country is made up of different races. We have to bear that in mind, and respect the sensitivities of those from other races.

“Everyone has their own beliefs and traditions. We have to respect that,” Samad, who is fondly known as Pak Samad, told FMT.

Asri has come under fire the past few days, for penning the poem in the midst of protests by Hindu groups like Hindraf, against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s presence in Malaysia.

Asri who has time and time again defended Naik – who is wanted by Indian authorities over allegations of money laundering and promoting “hate speech” – had removed his poem yesterday, after much backlash from the public.

However, he continues to stand by his words in the poem, saying it had nothing to do with Naik, but was merely about the Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s policy, which he claimed had acted cruelly against Muslims who slaughtered cows, an animal which is considered sacred by the Hindus.

But according to Pak Samad, a known figure should understand the sensitivities of the public before making a statement.

“Or else, the statement wouldn’t be one that is constructive,” he said.

“Taking into account the fact that the people of this country come from various races and religions, we have to be courteous when talking about the beliefs of others.

“I take it the mufti spoke based on that belief and realisation.” -FMT