SEMENYIH state assemblyman Nushi Mahfodz has found himself a subject of ridicule by both PAS detractors – and interestingly from his own party comrade – following his deemed “cordial visit” to the Arulmigu Dewi Sri Karumariamman Alayam Temple in his constituency on April 6.
While his action is welcomed by newly-minted DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan, Nushi who is also the PAS Central Ulema Council secretary was reprimanded by the council’s committee member Mokhtar Senik who believed that Nushi has gone overboard to display Islamic tolerance.
“There’s no need to go to temples or churches to prove that Islam is a religion of tolerance,” Mokhtar ticked off Nushi whom he labeled as “ustaz” in a Facebook post.
“Don’t simply indulge in that ‘play safe’ spirit. Live by Surah al-Kafirun (the 109th chapter of the Quran which emphasises the separation between belief and disbelief by declaring to you your religion and to me mine).”
To Nushi’s credit, however, Syahredzan who is also Bangi MP supported his action by stressing the need for elected representatives to represent all communities in their constituency instead of focusing on just one race or one religion”.
Ahli Parlimen DAP Pertahankan ADUN PAS Selangor
Apa yang dilakukan oleh Ahli Dewan Negeri Semenyih, YB Nushi Mahfodz – menghadiri program di rumah ibadat bukan Muslim – sebenarnya adalah satu bentuk tanggungjawab sebagai wakil rakyat.
Kehadiran beliau bukan untuk menyertai… pic.twitter.com/VgQhQSKu1C
— Jason Yew (@jasonyew) April 8, 2025
Dare to be different
Aside from the DAP lawmaker, Nushi also earned praises from renowned PAS critic Prof Tajuddin Mohd. Rasdi who attributed the open-mindedness of the 50-year-old Scotland-born technocrat politician to his foreign upbringing.
“He has a colorful background of being a corporate figure and being a syariah advisor to several banks,” observed the Professor of Islamic Architecture at USCI University in a YouTube video.
“I’ve always said that Muslims who have lived in places where they are the minority will have higher tolerance as opposed to those who stick with their own race and religion for the latter tend to live ‘under the coconut shell’ or be close-minded.”
In his defence, Nushi who is also the Selangor PAS deputy commissioner III said his temple visit was intended to engage in dialogue and listening first-hand to the planning of the temple’s committee for the well-being of the local community.
As a sign of respect, he explained that he was “dressed up” in a light-yellow shawl (ponnadai) and a garland of flowers as symbols of welcome and friendship in accordance with the culture of the Tamil community.
“This is not part of any ritual and I was not involved in any form of worship such as religious postures (namaskaram), wearing marks on the forehead, pouring milk into earthen pots or participating in ceremonies,” he penned on his Facebook page.
“I believe that a plural society like ours can only be strong when there is space to know each other, understand each other and respect each other.”
To further quell confusion arising from his temple visit, Nushi who is also the Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy information chief further shared past photos of PAS top echelons in the likes of its late spiritual leader Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat and its current president Tan Sri Hadi Awang donning Hindu/Buddhist shawls as customary respect.
“I respect Ustaz Nushi for his intention and would deem him as someone whom I don’t mind putting under my radar to better gauge his philosophy and ideas,” quipped political commentator Tajuddin. – April 10, 2025
