The PAS Women’s Wing (Dewan Muslimat PAS Malaysia) has expressed serious concern over statements attributed to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who allegedly used Islamic terms in a context that could cause confusion and touch upon the sensitivities of Muslims.
Its chief, Ustazah Nuridah Salleh, stressed that Islam is a sacred religion and every term, symbol, and phrase associated with it must be respected and used with proper etiquette and responsibility.
She pointed out that sacred terms such as ‘Alhamdulillah’, ‘gratitude’, and ‘prostration of gratitude’ (sujud syukur) are not merely cultural expressions or rhetoric, but carry deep meanings in faith (aqidah) and worship.
The wing expressed support for the reminder voiced by Dato’ Siti Zailah, urging that such sacred terms should not be used arbitrarily, especially by non-Muslims. There are concerns that usage without proper understanding could lead to misunderstanding and tarnish the sanctity of the religion.
The statement also took note of the advice from the Federal Territories Mufti against using Islamic phrases in a joking manner. Simultaneously, Nuridah cited Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who stated that using ‘Alhamdulillah’ is not an issue if the person truly intends to thank God and is not mocking the religion.
In Malaysia’s pluralistic society, Nuridah emphasised that mutual respect is the foundation of national stability. Therefore, all leaders, regardless of their religious background, should show high sensitivity towards the beliefs of Muslims.
The PAS Women’s Wing urged all parties, particularly government leaders, to be more careful in their statements to avoid causing public distress or disrupting social harmony.
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