Time to move on, Zahid, Waytha say on holy ash issue

Time to move on, Zahid, Waytha say on holy ash issue

Zahid Hamidi says opposition MPs should respect all faiths while Waytha Moorthy says Tajuddin Abdul Rahman's apology should be accepted in the spirit of unity.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and minister P Waytha Moorthy.
KUALA LUMPUR:
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today urged opposition members in the Dewan Rakyat to steer clear of making sensitive remarks about other faiths after a Barisan Nasional (BN) MP was suspended for linking the holy ash worn by Jelutong MP RSN Rayer to the ashes of communist leader Chin Peng.

He said Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s apology should be accepted as he had withdrawn the remarks made in the lower house yesterday.

“I hope the issue is settled. I hope the opposition leader and other BN MPs do not play up sensitive religious issues, but respect all faiths,” he told reporters in Parliament today.

Minister P Waytha Moorthy, who is in charge of national unity and social well-being, also urged all parties to accept Tajuddin’s apology and move on.

“If he (Tajuddin) has retracted (his remarks), it is okay. We will accept (his apology) in the spirit of unity,” he said.

Tajuddin was suspended for two days after repeatedly asking if Rayer was wearing Chin Peng’s ashes on his forehead.

When instructed to leave the hall, he laughed and proposed a longer suspension period of four days instead.

He also said that Rayer should be suspended as well.

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