Cops warn politicians against using ‘3R’ cards as Muhyiddin under probe over ‘fatwa’ remark

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay announced today that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is under investigation over his remark declaring voting Pakatan Harapan (PH) as “haram”, or forbidden for Muslims.

Ayob Khan said a “fatwa”, or a religious decree as such, can only be declared by a religious scholar or the national and state Islamic bodies.

“Yes, reports have been made and we are investigating the matter. A fatwa can only be issued by the national or state Islamic authorities or if you’re a mufti. So if anyone is abusing the 3R issues and there are police reports made we will haul them up.

“It doesn’t matter who it is, be it Muhyiddin Yassin or Tuan Guru Hadi,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman here, referring to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman and his deputy, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Ayob Khan said the police have repeatedly advised politicians against playing up issues dubbed “3R” — race, religion, and royalty — but are still seeing such remarks from them.

“So do not think just because you’re a politician and have status you can make any statement you like, especially those related to the 3R issues.

“The police will not compromise,” he added.

In a rally in Taman Kempas, Johor Baru on Saturday, Muhyiddin claimed it is "haram" to vote for Pakatan Harapan's (PH) candidate for the Pulai Parliamentary seat Suhaizan Kayat.

Muhyiddin's comments drew condemnation from all corners including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Suhaizan who during a campaign speech yesterday said Muhyiddin’s fatwa was dangerous as the latter was abusing Islamic law for politics.

In Malaysia, a state mufti or the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs — also known as the Fatwa Council — would usually produce fatwa on certain matters.

However, the fatwa counts only as a religious opinion and is not legally binding on Muslims until it is gazetted.

The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections are being held following the July 23 death of its incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister.