AS Pakatan Harapan keyboard warriors frantically came into his defence by deflecting his use of popular Islamic phrases to that of “Ustaz Bala citing the Quran”, PAS insisted that the criticism levelled by its lawmaker Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff against National DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming’s was appropriate and well-founded.
This is given that every dhikr phrase in Islam is a symbol of the greatness and majesty of Allah SWT, hence is a highly revered word in religion, according to Central PAS Ulama Council head Datuk Ahmad Yahaya.
Although there is no absolute ban for non-Muslims to use the so-called dhikr phrases, concerns abound about the possibility of the Housing and Local Government Minister using “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to God) and “sujud syukur” (prostration of gratitude) to deceive and confuse Muslims.
Henceforth, it was appropriate – as opposed to be unduly emotional – for Siti Zailah who is the Rantau Panjang MP to query Nga who is a Methodist Christian by faith if he ever believed in Allah SWT.
“Does he realise the true meaning behind what he said? Which Allah SWT is he referring to with his pronouncement of “Alhamdulillah”? Is he referring to the One and Only Allah or is he associating partners with Allah?” PAS mouthpiece HarakahDaily cited Ahmad who is also the Pokok Sena MP as asking.
Recall that in a tit-for-tat situation, PAS has been accused of practising double standards by condoning its Non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) chief Balasubramaniam Nachiappan a.k.a. Ustaz Bala who cited (in Arabic) and interpreting a Quranic verse during the Islamist party’s 71st general assembly in September 2025.
Ahmad who is also the Kedah State PAS commissioner further reminded that Nga has also previously used the terms taubat (repentance) and solat hajat (prayer of hope) to address a Muslim audience.
According to him, the arbitrary use of words within Islamic jurisprudence, including translating verses of the Quran without understanding the true meaning, is a form of insult to Islam.
After all, such was the position of the Special Discussion of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia Fatwa Committee which convened on Dec 3, 2010.
In this regard, Ahmad explained that while the Fatwa Committee does not absolutely prohibit the use of these words by non-Muslims, it must be done in an orderly manner and not lead to misuse.
“Therefore, Nga should refrain from constantly violate existing limitations. The wording is the exclusive right of Muslims. For you, your religion; for us, our religion,” he reprimanded. – Feb 6, 2026
