DAP leader shames Umno Youth exco for 'tahlil' video on Loke's 'demise' in Chennah
Published: Aug 5, 2026 11:43 AM
Updated: 4:01 PM
A DAP leader has condemned an Umno Youth exco member who invoked Islamic rituals to supposedly poke fun at Transport Minister Anthony Loke's loss in Chennah during the recent Negeri Sembilan polls.
This comes after Wan Zuhir Wan Ghazali shared a video on social media of a group of men, including himself, sitting on the floor and reciting Islamic prayers in what was described as a tahlil, a prayer gathering for someone who has died.
His caption for the video on Threads said: "Doing tahlil for Loke's burial in Chennah. Condolences."
DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali slammed the "irresponsible" post in a statement today, arguing that such content could also tarnish Islam's image as a religion that advocates for respect and dignity.
The Johor DAP vice-chairperson stressed that religious ceremonies such as tahlil recitation should not be exploited as "material for mockery, insinuation, or a political weapon".
DAP CEC member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali
"Playing with religious symbols and practices for the sake of gaining attention or political advantage is a despicable act that is unethical and contrary to Islamic values.
"It is like placing the sanctity of Islam 'under one's feet'," the senator said.
Affirming that Malaysia needs politics that is mature, civil, and respectful of the boundaries of humanity and the sanctity of religion, Sheikh Umar added that political differences cannot justify insulting a religion or misusing sacred practices.
Call for apology
As such, he urged Wan Zuhir to immediately take down the post, which remains accessible as of press time, and issue a public apology.
"It is like placing the sanctity of Islam 'under one's feet'," the senator said.
Affirming that Malaysia needs politics that is mature, civil, and respectful of the boundaries of humanity and the sanctity of religion, Sheikh Umar added that political differences cannot justify insulting a religion or misusing sacred practices.
Call for apology
As such, he urged Wan Zuhir to immediately take down the post, which remains accessible as of press time, and issue a public apology.
Umno Youth member Wan Zuhir Wan Ghazali
Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official X account also platformed the video, with the post including an in-video caption on brickbats against Wan Zuhir.
The X post on the PKR president's account, however, has since been removed.
Before the post was deleted, government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had also reshared it.
Loke lost his bid to defend the Chennah state seat in Aug 1 polls after a close fight with his sole competitor, MCA's Siow Kong Choon, who secured just 688 more votes than the DAP secretary-general.
DAP sec-gen Anthony Loke
The Seremban MP has since announced that he will be resigning as the Negeri Sembilan DAP chairperson.
Addressing a press conference on Aug 3, he also stood by his decision to contest the seat, arguing that his opponents’ tactics should be considered when judging his performance.
Addressing a press conference on Aug 3, he also stood by his decision to contest the seat, arguing that his opponents’ tactics should be considered when judging his performance.
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Pak Haji diam diam saje
A Most UnIslamic act...but the Race and Religion voters will still applaud.
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