KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has strongly condemned a statement made by Pasir Puteh MP Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh, describing remarks deemed insulting towards the companions of Prophet Muhammad as unacceptable, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the matter was raised during Wednesday's (May 13) Cabinet meeting, where ministers unanimously criticised the statement.
“The statement by the Pasir Puteh MP was raised during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, and the remarks insulting the companions of Prophet Muhammad were strongly condemned by the entire Cabinet and cannot be accepted,” he told reporters on Wednesday (May 13).
He added that the Cabinet was informed that several police reports had been lodged and that investigations were ongoing.
“As such, we leave it to the authorities, especially the relevant religious council or religious department, to conduct investigations,” he said.
Fahmi also acknowledged the intense public reaction to the issue on social media.
“Until now, the response on social media has been very heated regarding this issue, and we understand that,” he said.
Earlier, Muhammad Zawawi apologised and retracted his statement linking the companions of Prophet Muhammad to the terms “bapa ceti” (father of loan sharks) and “kaki zina” (adulterer) during a political ceramah programme in Kuala Terengganu last Sunday (May 9).
The Pasir Puteh MP admitted he had been less careful in presenting and conveying the information, which sparked controversy and offended various parties.
