Silence Not An Option When Religion Is Insulted - Sultan Of Pahang

MARAN, March 3 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has expressed profound sorrow and regret over recent incidents seen as deliberate attempts to undermine national and state harmony.

His Royal Highness emphasised that this regret includes the latest issue involving a student from a public university in Pahang who allegedly desecrated the Al-Quran.

"Such an act is not only an extremely insolent move but also an insult that wounds the hearts of Muslims and challenges the foundations of societal harmony built on the principle of mutual respect. 

"Remaining silent is not an option as such circumstances reflects a weakness of spirit and a fading sense of responsibility toward dignity," His Royal Highness decreed.

The Sultan delivered these remarks during the inauguration of the new Felda Jengka 19 Mosque, which he officially named the Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Mosque in Felda Jengka 19 today.

Furthermore, Al-Sultan Abdullah decreed that while Islam demands firmness within the boundaries of justice, Muslims must not allow insults to occur, nor should they retaliate with actions that destroy peace.

In his address, he reminded Muslims to defend their religion firmly while simultaneously respecting the rights of followers of other faiths to practice their beliefs in peace.

"As the Head and Protector of the Islamic Religion in the State of Pahang, I emphasise that any insult against Islam must be handled strictly and without compromise according to the rule of law. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to insult religion," he decreed.

The Sultan of Pahang also called upon all Muslim citizens in the state to return to the Al-Quran by reading it, understanding its meaning, and practicing its teachings in daily life.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah; the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah; and the Sultan’s other children.

The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Fire and Rescue Department Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, and members of the Pahang state executive council.

Earlier, a student from an institution of higher learning (IPT) was charged in the Kuantan Sessions Court today with desecrating the Al-Quran and making extreme, offensive communication posts on social media last month.

The accused, S. Vikneswaran, 21, pleaded not guilty to both charges before Judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad and claimed trial.

On February 25, a student from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was detained to assist in investigations for allegedly insulting Islam on social media by stepping on the Al-Quran.

--BERNAMA