Scholar takes MP to task for calling for a probe against Perlis mufti

A Jordan based Malaysian scholar has opposed calls by Klang MP Ganabathirau Veraman to probe Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin over the latter’s call to support Pakistan in its conflict with India.

Principal fellow of Islamic Academy of Sciences Dr Shah Nor Basri said that muftis have the responsibility to safeguard the moral and legal conscience of the Muslim community.

“In Islamic tradition, a mufti is not a political figure or government spokesperson; he is a scholar charged with safeguarding the moral and legal conscience of the Muslim community.

“Dr. Maza’s concern about the oppression of Muslims in Kashmir aligns with this role. The Qur’an commands believers to speak out against injustice in Surah An-Nisa verse 75.

“To suggest that a mufti should be silenced or prosecuted for fulfilling this moral obligation is to erode the purpose and dignity of the office itself.”

He also pointed out that Dr. Maza’s statements on the Kashmir issue are consistent with Malaysia’s traditional Islamic worldview and foreign policy history of supporting oppressed Muslim minorities, such as in Palestine and Myanmar.

He added that the issue of Kashmir is a justified humanitarian concern.

“Malaysia’s concern over Kashmir has been voiced not only by Dr. Maza but also by former Prime Ministers and senior officials.

“To speak about Kashmir is not to incite hostility towards any nation or community, but to uphold justice and peace—a universal value. Dr. Maza’s position is consistent with these principles, rooted in both Islamic teachings and humanitarian conscience.

In addition he said invoking the Penal Code provisions “sets a dangerous precedent and risks transforming Malaysia into a society where only state-approved opinions are permitted.”

Shah Nor also pointed out that religious leaders have always been moral authority in times of conflict.

“Dr. Maza’s statements must be seen in this light—as a moral voice calling for compassion and justice, not criminal action.”

He added that calling for a probe under the Penal Code against Dr Maza “risks weaponising Malaysian law for political or ideological convenience”.

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