Mufti doubles down, questions Rayer's late reaction to 'insult'
Published: Feb 17, 2025 6:57 PM
Updated: 9:57 PM
Summary
- Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin has denied insulting Hindus with his remark about the “sacred ash”.
- He says the Jelutong MP should be apologising for his “numerous statements” about Islam.
Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin has denied allegations of insulting Hindus with his remark regarding the “vibuthi” (sacred ash) on DAP lawmaker RSN Rayer’s forehead.
He also questioned why the Jelutong MP only reacted after a delay, pointing out that the comment was made two weeks ago.
Asri (above) further criticised Rayer, suggesting that the latter lacked an understanding of the Malay language.
“It took almost two weeks after my statement for the Jelutong MP to suddenly feel insulted. I find it strange how, in this country where Bahasa Melayu is the main language, there is an MP who does not understand the language.
“Which part of my statement insulted his religion? My statement was meant for him to understand that no party should interfere in the religious affairs of others. In fact, my Hindu friends also support my statement and believe that he has crossed the line,” he added.
He also questioned why the Jelutong MP only reacted after a delay, pointing out that the comment was made two weeks ago.
Asri (above) further criticised Rayer, suggesting that the latter lacked an understanding of the Malay language.
“It took almost two weeks after my statement for the Jelutong MP to suddenly feel insulted. I find it strange how, in this country where Bahasa Melayu is the main language, there is an MP who does not understand the language.
“Which part of my statement insulted his religion? My statement was meant for him to understand that no party should interfere in the religious affairs of others. In fact, my Hindu friends also support my statement and believe that he has crossed the line,” he added.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer
Asri contended that it is Rayer who should apologise for his “numerous statements” regarding Muslims.
“I hope the current government does not offer him any position because he stirs provocation in our multicultural society and fails to understand the national language.
“If he is given a position, it would mean that the sensitivities of the majority of citizens are not being considered,” he added in a Facebook post this evening.
Undesirable level of BM comprehension
Reiterating that there was no intention to insult, Asri provided an example.
“To put it simply, if we encounter someone and say, ‘Do not ask me where I am from, just as I have never asked for your father’s name,” and that person feels insulted, it would indeed be strange.
“Either they consider their father to be an insult - when we never meant to insult them - or they fail to understand the language. This is why we say, ‘Some people simply do not understand the language.’ Both scenarios reveal a level of comprehension that is less desirable in a society that values intelligence,” he added.
Earlier, Rayer, who emphasised that he respected Islam, said he was “disappointed, disheartened, and insulted” by Asri’s remark.
“My question to Maza (Asri) is why he said that, is Maza willing to apologise? I respect Maza, but I don’t understand why Maza responded this way,” he added.
Asri had made the remark in response to Rayer questioning the decision to allow controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik to deliver a speech in Perlis when there is a police ban in effect.
Asri contended that it is Rayer who should apologise for his “numerous statements” regarding Muslims.
“I hope the current government does not offer him any position because he stirs provocation in our multicultural society and fails to understand the national language.
“If he is given a position, it would mean that the sensitivities of the majority of citizens are not being considered,” he added in a Facebook post this evening.
Undesirable level of BM comprehension
Reiterating that there was no intention to insult, Asri provided an example.
“To put it simply, if we encounter someone and say, ‘Do not ask me where I am from, just as I have never asked for your father’s name,” and that person feels insulted, it would indeed be strange.
“Either they consider their father to be an insult - when we never meant to insult them - or they fail to understand the language. This is why we say, ‘Some people simply do not understand the language.’ Both scenarios reveal a level of comprehension that is less desirable in a society that values intelligence,” he added.
Earlier, Rayer, who emphasised that he respected Islam, said he was “disappointed, disheartened, and insulted” by Asri’s remark.
“My question to Maza (Asri) is why he said that, is Maza willing to apologise? I respect Maza, but I don’t understand why Maza responded this way,” he added.
Asri had made the remark in response to Rayer questioning the decision to allow controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik to deliver a speech in Perlis when there is a police ban in effect.
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