Welcoming world leaders to Malaysia should not be seen as an endorsement of their policies, but as part of diplomatic efforts which provide the opportunity to convey messages on crucial matters, such as the Palestine issue, a state mufti said today.
Penang mufti Sukki Othman said Malaysia has both moral and religious obligations to speak up against colonisation and oppression.
“Diplomacy allows the message of Islam to be heard. Sometimes, this is more effective than closing the door for communication,” Sukki told FMT when commenting on US president Donald Trump being invited for the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
Trump has confirmed his attendance at the Oct 26-28 summit in a recent phone conversation with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
PAS is opposed to inviting Trump, with party president Abdul Hadi Awang accusing him of supporting Israeli brutality against the Palestinians.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan separately announced that the party would be organising a mass protest against Trump in the capital.
Sukki said it would be too simplistic and emotional to protest against the presence of major world leaders simply over certain policies of theirs.
“Islam teaches us to differentiate between opposing cruel policies and having a readiness for dialogue. This helps preserve shariah principles, guarantees the country’s peace, and keeps opportunities for international cooperation open,” he said.
Separately, Federal Territories mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil reminded the public to refrain from throwing certain labels at one another because of differing opinions regarding Trump’s attendance.
“If there are those who think that it is not right, that is their right. But don’t resort to labelling other people,” he said.
