An Islamic scholar’s use of the divisive term "kafir harbi" has been strongly criticized by a leader of the Malaysian Christian community.
Pahang Mufti Abdul Rahman Osman was quoted in a Malay newspaper as labeling the Democratic Action Party as "kafir harbi" over its opposition to hudud, the system of punishment set up by the Quran.
"It is regrettable that a state mufti, the most senior Islamic cleric of a state and who is also a public servant, uses the term without a thought as to what it may conjure up in the minds of Malaysians," said the Rev. Eu Hong Seng, the chairman of The Christian Federation of Malaysia in a July 4 statement.
Kafir harbi is a rarely used term that is used to describe "unbelievers" who are at war with Islam and for who the death penalty is justified.
Eu said it is now being applied on all Malaysians who oppose hudud enactments.
"Questioning, doubting, or rejecting any change in laws or policy — such as with establishing hudud — is the fundamental constitutional right of all Malaysians," said Eu.
The mufti was also quoted as saying it would be a "great sin" for Muslims to support the Democratic Action Party, reported Malay Mail Online.