Najib Refutes Tok Guru's Claim

Apparently cheesed off with claims by Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today described his remarks that those who vote for Umno are deemed to have strayed from Islam, as an old issue that is bound to surface in the run-up to any general election.

According to the following Bernama report, the deputy prime minister said the people knew that Umno was the true advocate of Islam. "It (Nik Aziz's assertion) is an old story, we've responded to it before but they'll bring up the same issue each time there's an election," he told reporters.

Najib, who is Umno deputy president, said what Umno was fighting for was in accordance with the teachings of Islam, a religion that takes into account the interest of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Yesterday, Nik Aziz reiterated his oft-repeated view, saying that PAS would highlight matters pertaining to the hereafter in the next general election. On the Pas delegates' assembly which ended today, Najib said that the opposition party's leadership tussle had never affected Umno's struggle. "We've our own platform and image. What Pas is doing has no bearing on the people's support for us," he said.

He said Umno had managed to fulfil people's aspirations concerning religion, development, education, poverty eradication and so on. Najib said the party was not only concerned about bringing respect and dignity to society but also the wider aspect of matters pertaining to the hereafter.

"Umno has always promoted Islamic teachings and with the introduction of the Islam Hadhari concept, we can see that Islam is not only about performing rituals as it also encompasses the wider scope of civilisation," he added.

(Looks like Tok Guru hit a very 'sensitive' spot there. Hopefully Umno won't now try to outdo PAS and up the ante.)
Image Source:
1) Najib.
2) Nik Aziz.