Previously, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming was interrupted by PAS MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff during his speech in Dewan Rakyat after he used several phrases commonly associated with expressing gratitude in Islam.
Siti Zailah, who found the incident inappropriate, claimed that Kor Ming was toying with the phrases and warned him not to “confuse” the public.
Nga kor ming
Deputy Minister slams PAS MP for criticising Nga Kor Ming’s use of Islamic phrases in speech
Siti Zailah also questioned Kor Ming, asking if he was a “believer of Allah,” while adding that the matter could potentially involve the 3Rs (race, religion, royalty).
In response, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu criticised the Rantau Panjang MP for her “remark,” saying that being Muslim does not give anyone a pass to humiliate others.
On her Facebook page, Aiman Athirah highlighted the importance of approaching the issue correctly to ensure social harmony is maintained without compromising faith.
“In a multicultural society, there’s often confusion over the use of Islamic phrases like ‘Alhamdulillah’ (all praise be to Allah) and ‘InsyaAllah’ (if Allah wills) by our non-Muslim fellow human beings. Some see these phrases as exclusive to Muslims, while others view them as general expressions acknowledging the existence of God.”
“It’s important to handle this issue properly so that social harmony is preserved without affecting faith, and among Muslims, there’s no need to argue as if it’s a competition over who is ‘more Islamic’ or who has ‘stronger faith,'” she wrote.
Siti zailah mohd yusoff
“Using the phrases doesn’t automatically make someone a Muslim”
Aiman Athirah added that Siti Zailah’s criticism of Kor Ming was uncalled for, noting that the MP had seemingly implied that only a believer could use Islamic phrases.
“Expressions like ‘Alhamdulillah’ and ‘InsyaAllah’ are simply phrases of praise and acknowledgment of God’s power. Using them does not automatically make someone a Muslim.
“Therefore, the criticism by the MP during Nga Kor Ming’s speech was emotional and embarrassing, especially when she asked, ‘Has the minister believed?’ implying that only believers can use these Islamic terms,” she said.
Aiman athirah sabu
She also warned that this kind of behaviour could damage Islam’s reputation, create unnecessary fear, and give a misleading impression of what true Islamic values and ethics are.
“Just because we are Muslims and confident in our faith, it does not give us the right to embarrass fellow members of the house like this. As Muslims, we must remain humble, because guidance comes not from us, but from Allah.”
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