KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 ― Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin should not be ambitious and play the politician while serving as religious adviser to Muslims, the Umno Veterans Association said today.
Its secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said in a statement that the popular cleric ― better known by his acronym Dr Maza ― had overstepped his job scope by issuing criticisms against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership and should desist, news portal Malaysiakini reported.
If he was unable to do so, then the Barisan Nasional Perlis government should “reconsider the appointment of Mohd Asri as present Perlis mufti”, Mustapha was quoted saying.
According to the report, the Umno veterans regard the Penang-born Mohd Asri as an “eyesore”, saying his criticism and purported open support of the Opposition was “too much” and cannot be tolerated further.
“As a mufti, he should know [the limits of] his job scope and responsibilities,” Mustapha was quoted saying.
He added that the mufti could offer constructive criticism but should do it with decorum instead of meddling in political matters beyond his position and which would sully the dignity of the Islamic religious institution.
“If he wants to enter politics, Umno veterans challenge him to resign as mufti and contest in the upcoming 14th general election. Mohd Asri can choose to run on an Opposition ticket, as he loves them so much,” Mustapha reportedly said.
The news report did not mention the reason for Mustapha’s chastisement.
However, the 45-year-old Mohd Asri is one of the most vocal muftis in the country who has a reputation for speaking his mind even if it is at odds with the establishment.
