KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Muslims in Malaysia would not need to seek the help of other “races” if they were united politically, Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman has said.

He told Malay language daily Utusan Malaysia in its Sunday edition Mingguan Malaysia that Muslims were currently divided as evidenced in the formation of breakaway Islamic political parties, which he added was signs that such parties had personal gains in mind and wanted power.

“And then you have those who join non-Islam parties. It should be enough if we remained as one. We are a huge percentage, approximately 60 per cent. If we were united, we wouldn’t need others, just include a few from other races [sic],” he was quoted in the interview with Mingguan Malaysia without specifying parties or people he was referring to.

“When Muslims are not united, there are concerns of losing, and not having the power to rule.”

He was responding to questions regarding the Pahang Aidiladha sermons that spoke of Muslims prioritising politics which have led to division among Muslims.

Pahang DAP chairman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji had demanded that the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) apologise for its sermon which he claimed insinuated that it was against Islam to join the party.

In his interview, Abdul Rahman reiterated his stand that the contents of the sermon were advice for Muslims in accordance to the religion.

He added that it was proof that DAP were interfering with Islamic affairs.

“That is what makes me sad, what more when it is a Malay that sitting in alliance with this party. I believe even until today, that no other party are upset even when called out, only DAP are the ones who are not satisfied,” he said.

In the script issued by the Pahang Mufti Department on Aidiladha over a week ago, it was written that the Malays in the country were divided by political parties such as Umno, PAS, PKR and the Gerakan Harapan Baru (now Parti Amanah Negara).

The script also said this was exacerbated by Malays joining the DAP, which it claimed was against Islam.

Tengku Zulpuri said they would give JAIP five days to apologise, failing which, legal action will be taken.

The DAP man had reportedly said that they will now be contacting Abdul Rahman to meet regarding the matter.