Islam a faith of tolerance, where is yours, PAS?

A civil society member questioned PAS’ call for school canteens to be closed since Islam is a religion of tolerance.

“Islam is a religion of tolerance, the truth speaks of islam as a religion of tolerance, must appreciate and respect the needs of non muslim who are going to school and probably want food in the canteen also,” said Tamil Forum Malaysia president K Arumugam.

“At the same time I also believe non muslim like Chinese and Indians not observing the fasting month should also respect fasting muslim students so they can have mutual respect between all the races,” he said.

“If they don’t have breakfast at home they come be able to go the canteen and be allowed to eat, because they are hungry, and it is customary way them to come to school and have food at school. They should not be deprived of right to have food in the school, simply because Muslim students are fasting.

“At the same time, the non-Muslim should be respectful to those who are fasting so they can observe the decorum way of consuming food in the canteen,” he said.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s call for school canteens to operate as usual during Ramadan was criticised by PAS ulama wing Ahmad Yahaya who claimed the Education Ministry’s directive for school canteens to operate during Ramadan was controversial.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said they are adhering to ministry guidelines.