Kota Damansara
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Around 50 people led by UMNO(United Malay national organization) held a noise demonstration outside the office of Kota Damansara State Assemblyman office this evening. Dr. Nasir, PSM's State Assemblyman was not around as he was at the State Assemble. The Protesters then passed a memorandum to A.Sivarajan, PSM National Treasurer as well as Councilor for Shah Alam.
The shouted slogan just as "Long live Malays" and " Long Live Islam". Their protest was based on a question asked by Dr, Nasir at the State Assemble on Tuesday. Nasir asked a supplementary question while discussion a question on zakat. Nasir asked whether the money collected from Zakat can also be channeled to the poor non-muslims. Nasir's question was to seek clarification on the issue because there have been conflicting views on this.
The racist Malay party UMNO quickly turned this into a racial issue and stated that Nasir's question is an attempt to undermine the Malays and an insult to Islam. Some of the posters reminded Nasir not to forget that he is a muslim. Some mainstream paper also carried this bias reporting.
Dr. Nasir clarified to the media the next day. He maintained that he did not propose anything but merely posed a question. Nasir further stated that his questions as well as contributions to non-muslim is in accordance with Islam and the Quran.
Meanwhile PAS has always maintained that the Ulamak need to study this question of zakat because giving to non-muslims is not something new and has been practiced before.
Dr. Nasir said that as a socialist he believes in equality and his views are for the betterment of all people especially the working class. He also said that UMNO is very desperate and seeks to get the support of the Malay Muslim majority by fanning racial and religious issues. This is the most easiest way to get the support.
Meanwhile Nasir continued to get critical support from the progressive forces and plans not to be cowed by this manipulation by UMNO.
