Government should step up fight against IS followers

THE Government should step up efforts to fight extreme religious teachings such as those perpetuated by followers of Islamic State (IS) as it can lead to Islamaphobia, said Kelantan delegate Zaki Muhammad.

“We call on the Government to double its efforts against these groups and those who are involved in spreading its teachings.”

Zaki, who tabled the motion on religion and education at the Umno general assembly yesterday, said it was also the responsibility of all party members to give proper explanation about Islam in order to put a stop to the spread of liberalism, pluralism and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

“It is not just the responsibility of Islamic religious agencies but Umno members must also step up to give explanations about the Sunni school of thought or risk the spread of liberalism, pluralism and LGBT among us,” he said.

In the motion, he urged the Government to expand the role of Umno’s supreme council religious bureau in assisting the Prime Mini­ster on issues like akidah (faith), politics and maqasid syariah.

Zaki said the party also faced new challenges with the emergence of groups such as the G25 group of prominent Malays.

He congratulated the Malaysian team that emerged champion in one of the world’s most competetive debating tournaments, the Cambridge Intervasity debating competition.

“We are proud of their achievement and we hope that they will continue to excel,” he said.