KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia needs more realistic leaders, such as DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
This is because Loke carries an image of moderation and respectfulness, irrespective of his relationship with others, added the Umno man.
“Numerous quarters are comfortable with (Loke’s) leadership style. He brings a moderate image and respects his friends and foes.
“The issue is that ‘bad boys’ are in any party, including DAP. There will be rogue members or leaders speaking arbitrarily, (and) inconveniencing the party,” he said in a Facebook post today
Puad listed DAP stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, and former Damansara MP Tony Pua as the few of the “bad boys” who often make controversial statements.
“But, their statements are often seen as the party’s official stance. Hence, parties are forced to take disciplinary action – sacked or suspended – against them.”
Puad said this following Loke’s statement that Ngeh’s suggestion to have non-Muslims as members of a special government committee on shariah laws was a “mistake”.
Loke also reiterated that the party supports the authorities behind the special committee’s establishment – including the Malay rulers as the guardians of Islam.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said Ngeh’s call had no merit, while the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, decreed that non-Muslims should not interfere in the country’s Islamic affairs.
This morning, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said he fully supported the Sultan of Selangor’s statement, urging non-Muslims to write to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) for any concerns about Islamic matters.
The special committee was announced earlier this month by Na’im to review the competency of state legislatures to create shariah laws, as well as the jurisdiction of the shariah courts as provided for under the federal constitution.
This followed Anwar’s announcement in the Dewan Rakyat last month that Putrajaya will create a committee, sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers to elevate and strengthen the shariah legal system. – December 30, 2023