Pas Youth Dap Shouldn T Politicise Our Criticism Of Xmas Celebration

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PAS Youth has rebuffed DAP's criticism that the Islamist party had politicised a Christmas celebration hosted by a DAP minister.
The wing's information chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi Azhar said it was DAP who was politicising their criticism.
"PAS Youth is disappointed with statements by DAP leaders who accused PAS leaders of trying to politicise the Christmas celebration by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
"These wild accusations not only show insensitivity toward harmony in a multicultural and multifaith society but also ignore the fact that PAS' views are based on the National Fatwa Council's guidelines," he said in a statement last night.
Khairul Nadzir Helmi AzharOn Christmas Eve, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming posted a short video showing a festive celebration by his ministry, with some Muslims in attendance.
It features staff members of his ministry - who did not appear to be Muslim - singing “Jingle Bells” - a song about the thrill of riding on a sleigh through the snow - and the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
PAS Youth vice-chief Muhammad Hanif Jamaluddin in response cried foul over the carolling and accused Nga of transgressing the limits of Muslims' respect for the beliefs and practices of other faiths.
He also cited a page on the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office’s website posted last year, which states that Christmas carols are considered haram and Muslims should keep away from them because of Christian elements in its lyrics that go against Islamic beliefs.
DAP leaders rallied behind Nga and accused PAS of politicising the celebration, and ignoring that those who were carolling were individuals celebrating Christmas, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak.
Lack of understanding
In his statement last night, Nadzir said it was DAP who showed a lack of understanding of religious context and were threatening harmony in the country.
He also accused DAP of failing to respect Islam as the official religion of the federation.
The PAS Youth information chief urged Islamic authorities including the minister in charge of religious affairs to properly educate DAP on the guidelines for Muslims regarding Christmas.
"Lastly, PAS and all Malaysians who love harmony urge that this issue not be politicised wildly.
"Instead, all must be responsible to safeguard sensitivities and unity in our multiracial and multireligious country," he said. - Mkini

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