Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

PETALING JAYA: The term "kafir harbi" (belligerent infidels) should not be used to refer to non-Muslims, especially in a country that respects its constitution and laws, says the federal territories mufti’s office.

It explained that the term "kafir harbi" typically refers to non-Muslims who are actively hostile towards Islam and are not under the protection of Muslims.

“In the context of Malaysia, non-Muslim citizens do not fall into the category of ‘kafir harbi’.

"Using this label has severe and dangerous implications, as it would imply that they are legitimate targets for warfare, their safety would not be protected, and their property would not be safeguarded," it said in a statement today.

The office also stressed that using that term against non-Muslim citizens is "extreme and excessive".

"In the modern context, the term could be applied to groups such as Zionists and Israel, who are hostile towards and wage war against Muslims, displacing them from their homes and lands," it said.

Yesterday, several Malay DAP leaders demanded an apology from the person featured in a viral video who labelled the party "kafir harbi" during a recent Perikatan Nasional ceramah for the Nenggiri by-election.

Three DAP central executive committee members – Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman – also demanded that PAS and PN leaders clarify their stance on the use of the term.

In the nearly two-minute video clip, the master of ceremonies at the ceramah can be heard saying: "Do you know what ‘kafir harbi’ is? Who is ‘kafir harbi’ in Malaysia? DAP."

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim also said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should personally speak up about the issue and explain why using the term against the Chinese community is wrong.

Following the spat, PN has suspended the PAS member responsible for making the remark for three days. It said however that there was no need for an apology, adding that the remark was made in a personal capacity, and did not represent the views of PAS.