Showing posts with label DPM. Show all posts

Sunday, 28 May 2017

DPM: Most who take up arms aren’t religious

The two Malaysians killed in a clash between militants and Philippine security forces in Marawi, Mindanao, were not schooled in Islamic studies, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Sunday, 28 May 2017

Bernama reported Dr Ahmad Zahid as saying that they had sought a shortcut to heaven by engaging in this so-called jihad.

“They did not have any Islamic education but wanted to be martyrs,” he said after the launch of a Quran learning and recital programme at Masjid Al Hidayah in Kampung Sungai Penchala yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said those who did not understand the Quran were more inclined to engage in terrorism because they often misinterpreted the scriptures in the holy book.

He said they also became obsessed with certain individuals who made use of religion and performed acts that deviated from the teachings of the Quran.

The two Malaysians were among 13 militants killed by soldiers who were hunting Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of Abu Sayyaf terrorists active in the southern Philippines, and the Maute group, which have ties with Islamic State (IS).

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said a study found that 87% of those engaged in terrorist activities did not have basic religious education.

At the launch, Dr Ahmad Zahid donated 320 copies of the Quran to the programme.

In Petaling Jaya, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Ramadan was more than just fasting.

Dr Asyraf, who holds the portfolio in Islamic affairs, said in Arabic, fasting literally meant to refrain.

“This is not only from food and drinks but also from evil actions, thoughts and words.

“Muslims are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends and do away with bad habits to clean up our lives, thoughts and feelings,” he said.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/05/28/dpm-most-who-take-up-arms-arent-religious/

Thursday, 27 April 2017

‘Zakir not promoting terrorism’

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed suggestions that controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik is promoting terrorism. Ahmad Zahid said he had obtained information on several of Zakir's speeches in other countries, including in his home country India, and believes that the latter's speeches had been taken out of context.

Posted on 14 April 2016 - 09:41pm
Last updated on 15 April 2016 - 01:40am

Amar Shah Mohsen and Timothy Achariam
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ahmad Zahid tries his hand at making tosai at the tea reception hosted by the Gurdwara Sahib Sentul. — Sunpix by Zulkifli Ersal

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed suggestions that controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik is promoting terrorism.

Ahmad Zahid said he had obtained information on several of Zakir's speeches in other countries, including in his home country India, and believes that the latter's speeches had been taken out of context.

"From the information that I have, he did not mean it; he did not mean to promote terrorism. We saw that he was awarded the 'Tokoh Maal Hijrah' (in 2013) because of his contributions.

"It's only that he was seen as questioning other religions. Even though he is a medical doctor, his interest is to do dakwah, the preaching of Islam ... We believe he is a very wise man," he told a press conference after attending the 2016 National Level Key Target Area Seminar here today.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid announced the allocation of RM400,000 to renovate and upgrade the Gurdwara Sahib Sentul.

He said the refurbishment of the gurdwara will be fully funded by the government and advised the Sentul gurdwara to channel the donations they get from the Sikh community to other gurdwaras that are in need.

"Therefore any donations this gurdwara gets, it should be channelled to help other gurdwaras in the country," he said when addressing the more-than-a-thousand-strong crowd at the Sentula gurdwara during the Vaisakhi celebrations.

Ahmad Zahid said although the Sikh community in Malaysia is a religious minority, the mutual respect among religious factions in Malaysia is what makes the nation unique.

Meanwhile, the Gurdwara Sahib in Petaling Jaya saw a crowd of about 5,000 to 7,000 devotees.

Vaisakhi marks the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 which formed the core of Sikhism and elevated it to newer heights.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1762212

DPM confirms Zakir's PR status

Malaysia to assist India in Dr Zakir Naik probe (Updated)

Filepix of preacher Dr Zakir Naik. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik has permanent resident (PR) status in Malaysia, which was granted to him about five years ago, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Nonetheless, Ahmad Zaid who is also the Home Minister said Malaysia will assist India to investigate the Islamic Research Foundation president if that country made a request for legal assistance.

"I would like to confirm that he (Zakir) holds a permanent residence status but he is not a Malaysian citizen.

"He has been awarded with the permanent status about five years ago, even before i was appointed as Home Minister.

"If there is a request(from India) for our assistance, we are going to give full cooperation to India," Ahmad Zahid said after he officiated at the Human Ecology International Conference 2017 at Dorsett hotel here today.

Zahid was appointed home minister after Barisan Nasional won the 13th general election in May 2013.

He took over from Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is now the Defence Minister and a special functions minister.

On Sunday, Dr Zakir told the Indian government to look for him in Malaysia amid its plans to seek Interpol assistance in a terrorism investigation against him.

Dr Zakir accused the Indian authorities of practising double standards, and he is not willing to present himself before India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), claiming that instances of abuse are rife among Muslim activists.

He then urged NIA to investigate him at a neutral ground.

Earlier, The Times of India reported that the NIA had decided to seek Interpol in issuing a Red Corner Notice, aiming at curbing Zakir's movements.

A Red Notice is an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol. It was issued on behalf of the Indian government after Dr Zakir defied repeated summonses by it.

Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said future leaders must think unconventionally to transform the economic foundation, and place Malaysia in an advantageous position without succumbing to the
business powerhouses and greedy businessmen.

He said there is a rise of corporations that ignore national boundaries and demand a "level playing field" without respecting policies that protect a nation's interest.

"Economic warfare has given rise to unethical practices that deviate from Adam Smith's moral principles of economies that equal distribution of wealth is the basis of the social framework.

"Currency warfare and market monopolies are shrinking the money markets of most nations," Ahmad Zahid said.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/04/18/malaysia-assist-india-dr-zakir-naik-probe-updated

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