UMNO abusing Mosques Friday sermon accusing Bersih of manipulating Muslims

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — For the second week in a row, the Friday sermon in mosques throughout Kuala Lumpur attacked the credibility of Bersih’s organisers, accusing them today of causing disunity by questioning Islamic rights and manipulating Muslims.

The sermon, obtained from the website of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), charged that the organisers were using many tricks to achieve their goals. The sermon is prepared by the government and read out in all mosques in Kuala Lumpur.

File photo of Muslims at Friday prayers at a mosque.

“The big question is, who exactly are these people who have become traitors to their religion, race and country? They have actually angered Muslims before. Questioning Muslim rights and manipulating some Muslim leaders who have been blinded by the pursuit for power,” said the prepared text.

The sermon did not name any of the leaders it was referring to, but it is believed to be aimed at Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders as well as the organisers of tomorrow’s rally.

Last week’s sermon accused Bersih’s leaders of being “extremists”, and had urged Muslims to reject the movement.

Today’s sermon however stated that the rally’s organisers undermined Islam through many means including legal measures. The speech also claimed that these leaders encouraged hatred among Malaysians by making provocative slogans.

“This is who they are, wearing masks on the pretext of upholding justice, making the rakyat a shield but the truth is that they have their own agenda to destabilise the country, weaken its rulers and destroy the harmony between the country’s citizens,” added the sermon.

The sermon warned Muslims against supporting any cause which could jeopardise the country’s peace and security.

“As Muslims who love their religion, race and country, do not be fooled by their lies. Let us unite in defending every inch of our land from being invaded by enemies of Islam, unite so that every effort by our enemies will not bear fruition,” said the sermon.

It urged Muslims to abide by the wishes of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin that peace and security of the nation should be the utmost priority at all times.