Ex-CJ: Islam under threat in DAP-ruled Penang

Former chief justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad has highlighted the problems faced by Muslims in Penang, which he warned could spread if left unchecked.

Among others, he said a former Penang mufti told him that it was difficult to secure allocations for Islamic activities in the state as various religious groups wanted their fair share.

"If this is not stopped, it will spread to the whole of Malaysia. Maybe Islamic programmes will have to be shared with other religions.

"Government departments and campuses may be required to not only prepare surau but also churches, gurdwara and temples," he added.

Such a scenario, he said, would render the special position of Islam as the religion of the Federation meaningless.

Hamid was speaking at a buka puasa event with several Islamic NGOs in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

A copy of his speech, titled "Protecting the constitution as the basis of the country", was also uploaded on his website.

The former chief justice, who hails from Penang, revealed that the mufti also informed him about an incident during the launching of a building in the state, which was attended by the deputy chief minister.

At this event, he said, prayers were done by a Christian priest, a Hindu priest and the imam of the state mosque.

"I am puzzled why would the imam participate in such a ceremony. Can't he think?" he asked.

"I am saddened to see Malays and Muslims behaving naively where they are made as tools and shout 'Allahu Akbar' while lying on road when it is non-Muslims who benefit," he added.

Hamid was referring to the protest that followed BN retaking Perak in the aftermath of the 2008 general election.

Commenting on the "Allah" row, Hamid said he is puzzled that some Islamic scholars did not see the "hidden agenda" of the Roman Catholic Church.

He claimed that the church was disappointed for not being able to turn the Malays into Christians five centuries ago.

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