KUALA LUMPUR, 10 May 2025 (TheCapitalPost) – As a Malaysian, I find it my responsibility to correct the sweeping and misleading statements made by Perlis Mufti in a viral video clip, and because no denial has been made by the Mufti in public that his widely circulated video has been doctored or tampered with, it can rightly be inferred that his video is original and presents his views.
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In Malaysia, we have lived together as brothers for generations, sharing our festivals, cultures, and mutual respect. It is crucial that we do not let distant conflicts or isolated incidents be used to profile entire communities, especially in a multi-religious society like ours.
I appeal to my Malaysian brothers to ensure we get the facts right and not be influenced by misleading narratives. Let us continue to promote understanding over division and resist attempts to fracture the harmony we have built in Malaysia.
First, it is essential to recognize that India is a secular, democratic republic with a long history of religious pluralism. The Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights to all its citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed.
This stands in contrast to Pakistan, which identifies itself as an Islamic republic with Islam as its state religion, a distinction that has had significant implications for the rights and freedoms of its religious minorities.
It is also important to note that India is home to over 200 million Muslims, making it the second-largest Muslim population in the world, after Indonesia. Despite the option to migrate to Pakistan during the partition of 1947, this significant community chose to remain in India, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to the land and their faith in the pluralistic values of Indian society. We as outsiders by undermining the established bond between Musim and Hindu communities in India are unduly causing strain to the historical ties between India and Malaysia
Muslims in India have not just survived but thrived in various fields, making immense contributions to the country’s progress. Prominent examples include:
Politics and Governance: India has had three Muslim Presidents – Dr. Zakir Hussain, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – each of whom served with distinction and was respected across communities.
Business and Industry: Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, is a global tech leader and philanthropist, recognized among the world’s most influential business figures.
Sports: Muslim athletes like Mohammed Azharuddin, Irfan Pathan, and Sania Mirza have proudly represented India in cricket and tennis on the world stage.
Arts and Entertainment: Bollywood, one of the largest film industries globally, has been dominated by Muslim superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan, who are beloved by audiences across all religious communities.
Diplomacy and Civil Services: Many Muslims serve at the highest levels of India’s diplomatic corps, judiciary, and civil services, reflecting the opportunities available to all citizens.
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Contrary to a Malaysian Mufti’s claims, India is one of the largest exporters of beef globally, with significant exports to countries including Malaysia. This sector is controlled by businesses, not by religious biases. This fact alone debunks the narrative of widespread violence against those consuming beef. It’s worth noting that while certain states have restrictions on cow slaughter due to cultural sensitivities, these laws are similar to animal protection laws found worldwide, including many majority-Muslim countries.
India also provides significant support for its Muslim citizens to practice their faith. For example, the Indian government historically provided financial assistance for Hajj pilgrims, a benefit not extended to Hindus for their pilgrimages. This stands in stark contrast to the mufti assertion that Modi government is anti-Muslim
Historical Context of Kashmir
Regarding Kashmir, it is important to recall that prior to independence, the region was a Hindu-ruled princely state under Maharaja Hari Singh. It chose to accede to India during partition, reflecting the complex and deeply interwoven history of the subcontinent. Kashmir was never a Pakistan territory
A Call for Responsible Leadership
In a multi-religious society like Malaysia, it is particularly important for religious leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that risks dividing communities. We should instead focus on building bridges of understanding and mutual respect. Misrepresenting the realities of India and its vibrant, multi-faith society only serves to foster unnecessary divisions and misconceptions.
I share this not to provoke, but to present facts and context that might have been overlooked in a statement made by the Mufti through a video clip which has gone viral. I hope this helps in fostering a more balanced perspective among all Malaysians
I appeal to the Madani Government to take stock of the situation and do the needful
Thank You
-Written by Kumar Sathasivam
–TheCapitalPost