No approval for 'touching dog' event
Published on: Tuesday, October 21, 2014
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Mufti has denied that the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) had approved Sunday's "I Want to Touch a Dog" event.Datuk Seri Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid said the Council did not issue any approval letter to the organiser and had referred the matter to the Petaling Jaya City Council as it involved the use of a public field."No approval was given on our part to hold the 'touch-a-dog' programme," he said. The programme was being held by an individual on his own initiative," he said.ADVERTISEMENT Mohd Tamyes said MBPJ should be the one explaining the reason for allowing the event to proceed. "We are not clear what was the justification. It is under the local government's purview to approve, not the religious authorities," he said.On Malaysian Islamic Development Department's (Jakim) plan to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, Mohd Tamyes said he welcomed the department's decision to do so."Congratulation on their initiative. At least people will realise that it is not advisable (for Muslims) to touch dogs," he added.Jakim Director-General Datuk Othman Mustapha said the programme should not have taken place, adding that Jakim regretted the irresponsible attitude of the organisers who were not concerned about the sensitivities of Muslims in the country.ADVERTISEMENT "This event has never been held previously and is the first time being exposed to the community. We are Muslims and our religion has stated clearly the penalty regarding dogs."Jakim will investigate the matter immediately and any action will be referred to the existing provisions," he said.
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He was commenting on the organising of the programme that received overwhelming response from Muslims in and around the federal capital yesterday.Syed Azmi Alhabshi, a pharmacist in his 30s, had organised the event to help people overcome their fear of dogs and learn compassion for all animals.The Kuala Lumpur native also said he wanted to help people overcome certain misconceptions and sensitivities surrounding dogs."Cruelty towards animals like dogs is not a Muslim issue. It is a Malaysian issue," Syed had said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Over 1,000 people had attended the event which saw Muslims and non-Muslims alike interacting with dogs of various breeds.Syed said he was satisfied with the turnout as he had only expected 60 people to show up.