By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 4: The term ‘kafir’ or infidel should not be used to refer to non-Muslims as it carries a derogatory connotation, “as we are all creations of the almighty God, equal, and no religion should be ridiculed”, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim emphasised that there is no reason to claim superiority and judge other religions.
“You cannot say that you are a Muslim and other believers are not equal to you.
“You practice your religion, and I practice my religion. It should be respected as such. We do not need to cross the boundary and tell others mine is the best, yours is not good. It should not be that way,” he said after a press conference on Borneo Pickleball International Tournament at his Ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building today.
He was asked for his comments on the controversy over the use of the term ‘kafir’, sparked by a viral video featuring Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek discussing the use of the term.
Fadhlina has since clarified that the viral video was deliberately edited to cause a stir to tarnish her reputation and credibility.
Abdul Karim pointed out that people of other faiths, such as Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists, would find being labelled ‘kafir’ offensive, as it also refers to them as unbelievers.
“Bear in mind that regardless if you are Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist, we are all created by the almighty God. We are all the same. Christians are also ‘makluk Tuhan, Abba’ (God’s creature, Abba, Father) and it is the same for others.
“So why must we call others kafir”” he added.
Yesterday (April 3), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, echoing the sentiments of Federal Territory Mufti Dr Luqman Abdullah, urged people not to prolong the controversy surrounding the term ‘kafir’.
Luqman, in a Facebook post, advised Muslims to exercise caution and refrain from making statements that could lead to misunderstandings within the community or provide opportunities for defamation regarding religious matters.
He emphasised the unfairness of passing judgments or criticisms solely based on video snippets without considering the intended context of a speech.
“Lengthy controversies devoid of scholarly substance and respectful discourse will only sow confusion and potentially divide society. Resorting to indirect criticisms, using harsh language, and making accusations via social media platforms will not benefit the Muslim community, which highly values unity as the strength of the ummah,” said Luqman.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, BE Sarawak chairman Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and BE Sarawak CEO Amelia Roziman were present. — DayakDaily
