He blamed this situation on what he called the colonial understanding of Islam.

“The colonial understanding of Islam, that it is a ‘mere’ religion needs to be corrected.

“In Sarawak, Umno and PBB are continuing this ‘colonial understanding’ and as a result, the Malays in Sarawak are chained by religious ignorance,” Mahfodz said at the opening of the PAS Ulama wing’s muktamar today.

He said that all ulama are obligated to lead the people to interpret Islam by knowledge and practice.

“The teachings in the Quran is a guide for our way of life, and we must lead the people in the right way to ensure the religion is free of this colonial understanding,” he said.

Mahfodz also blamed the state of the nation on the secular leadership that condones Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) activities.

“The country is in crisis when there is condoning of LGBT in the name of human rights,” he said, citing the DAP-led Penang government’s recognition of the LGBT community through the setting up of a committee to oversee transgender issues.

Mahfodz was referring to the committee set up earlier this month, which Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu had been lobbying for since 2014.

Mahfodz also spoke of the actions by various civil rights groups, including G25 and the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs (Comango), in raising the matter at the United Nations.

He said the emulation of Western-styled development and secular leadership has led to the corruption of morals in the country.