Perlis mufti backs NCC2 proposal

PETALING JAYA: Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin fully supports the proposed National Consultative Council 2 (NCC2), saying that it will boost the spirit of “Malaysian-ness”.

He expressed support for the idea because the country should be a peaceful place for every Malaysian to live in, regardless of a person’s religious or racial background.

“We should go back to the spirit of ‘Malaysian-ness’ with moderation as the key principle in striving to achieve a state of harmony,” he said yesterday.

He was responding to the growing support for a national recalibration initiative by gathering the best minds and leaders across society, an idea mooted by prominent banker Datuk Seri Nazir Razak.

His call has gained traction with other notable personalities, including AirAsia chief executive Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Enra Group Bhd executive chairman Datuk Kamaluddin Abdullah as well as Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.

Even former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has voiced her support for the proposal, saying measures must be put in place to revive the true spirit of “Malaysian-ness”.

Dr Mohd Asri, popularly known as Dr Maza, said the principles of justice and the right to exist must be protected for all parties as long as it does not destroy or affect national security.

“Moderation includes the freedom to practise religion, championing the rights of all, and protecting the freedom of expression,” he added.

He noted that extremism could lead to racial and religious tension.

“It would only bring harm to the country’s moral values and the harmonious relations of the people,” he said.

The original NCC was set up in 1970 after the May 13, 1969, riots to “establish positive and practical guidelines for inter-racial co-operation and social integration for the growth of a Malaysian national identity”.

It was created by Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Nazir, who is Razak’s son and brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, has repeatedly called for the setting up of the NCC2, most recently at The Star’s Moderation book launch last Thursday.