Shahrizat seeks Anwar’s clarification on religious issue

DENGKIL, Nov 6 — Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil today sought an explanation from Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on reports that Malays would be given the option of selecting their religion if the opposition wins the next general election.

Shahrizat said she received information that this is the plan of the opposition buttressed by the DAP. — File pic

She also said that the movement had learned that the religion of newborn babies might not have to be stated on the birth certificate and that the child could select his or her religion upon turning 18.

“I want to ask Anwar whether this is true? This, the ideology of liberalism.

“I do not know whether this is true or otherwise, but we have received information that this is the plan of the opposition buttressed by the DAP,” she told reporters after visiting flood evacuees at the Dengkil community hall, here.

She said Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah, who is a vice-president of the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), had reportedly stated that the people should not be forced to practise any specific religion and that this should also be applied to the Malays.

Shahrizat said she was not surprised by the statement because she had prior knowledge of the plan through information derived from some people in the opposition.

She said that as a Malay and a Muslim, she was most hurt and concerned over the plan, and urged Malaysians, particularly the Malays and Muslims, to ponder the matter.

“Perhaps, this is an attempt to win over the other races, but I believe the other races are not agreeable to it.

“This will disunite the Malays and erode Islamic influence in the country.” — Bernama