Friday July 6, 2012

Watch what you say during Ramadan, politicians told

PETALING JAYA: Politicians should refrain from making personal attacks against their opponents during the fasting month, says Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) director-general Datuk Nik Mustapha Nik Hassan.

He said as Muslims, they should not indulge in character assassination when they make speeches at their ceramah, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Why argue over petty things? If someone has an issue with Government policy, they should have a proper debate where both parties can present their case and let the people decide,” he said during a talk on the fasting month at Menara Star here yesterday.

Nik Mustapha also said Malaysians tended to buy too much food at Ramadan bazaars.

“When you are hungry and fasting, you tend to buy a lot of food. Being gluttons defeats the higher purpose of fasting,” he added.

An eye-opener: Nik Mustapha (left) addressing participants during the talk on the fasting month at Menara Star while moderator associate editor Rozaid Abdul Rahman looks on. Among those who attended the talk is The Star executive director and group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (front row, third from right).

He also welcomed the attitude of officers of religious authorities, who are now doing away with punitive action and moving towards educating Muslims whom they catch for eating in public during the fasting month.

“Punishment should only be meted out as a last resort. Education is more important as people would be less likely to commit wrongs if they understand how their actions reflect on them,” he said.

Muslims in Malaysia are expected to begin their month-long fast on July 21.

Recent talks in Menara Star were conducted by the Home Ministry on national security, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on Islam and the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society on Wesak Day.

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