13 November 2009

Not wrong to go on a sponsored Haj pilgrimage?

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nikmat had said that it was not wrong, not corrupted of him, to accept an RM65,000 sponsorship to perform the Haj in Mecca from Nov 18. His son-in-law supported him in this matter and attempted to explain the issue: "It's like this, he (Nik Abdul Aziz) is like other Tok Gurus and many people want to go to the Holy Land with people like him because his knowledge of Islam is inspiring. Naturally many would want to perform Haj with him."

Herein lies the glaring and sad, sad fact that Malaysian politicians are ill-informed, misinformed, uneducated perhaps, ill-advised, unsophisticated .....(the list goes on).

Yes, yes, we understand what the son-in-law - Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman and also CEO of Kelantan Mentri Besar Incorporated (PMBK) - is trying to say. In fact, it would be alright and acceptable if the Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz were any ordinary Tok Guru, Ulama, religious teacher - but he is not.

He happens to be the Kelantan Mentri Besar and the spiritual adviser of the political party PAS. This whole thing of accepting paid/ sponsored trips/ items/ gifts/ whatever raises CONFLICT OF INTEREST issues, and naturally questions of impropriety. Datuk Nik Aziz has since decided to cancel his Haj pilgrimage.

Please hire better legal advisors.

3 comments:

  1. In Islam One need only to go once in a lifetime and even that it is stated that If one could afford it. It is very clear if one could not affort then just do not go. It is as simple as that. Thanks.

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  2. Thank you Pak Idrus for that concise clarification. It is surprising that political tok gurus deem it alright to be sponsored.

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  3. Guess religion is one that can be interpreted to suit a person's view. If a Govt. can be dumb enough to finance the trip, why should not the opportunity be utilised by these miserable souls? Maybe they will be forgiven for their sins and hopefully come back 'reformed'. This may be wishful thinking but I guess there is always hope in One Malaysia!

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