"We're Not Choosing Religion" - Nik Omar Says In His Message To Voters For GE14
People are likening him to his late father and spiritual leader of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Tok Guru Nik Aziz.
By Jia Vern Tham — 04 May 2018, 07:55 PM
The Pakatan Harapan candidate for Chempaka, Ustaz Nik Omar Nik Aziz was speaking at a ceramah held in Putrajaya last night, 3 May
According to The Edge Markets (TEM), it was Nik Omar's first-ever speech as a candidate for the National Trust Party (Amanah) in Chempaka, Kelantan.
The ceramah was being held right across the street of government offices in Putrajaya.
In his speech, Nik Omar stressed that religion shouldn't be considered in the 14th General Election (GE14), as it is for citizens to choose the best "team" to lead the country
"We're not choosing religion, no," he said, before adding that the general election gives citizens the right to choose a "team" capable of leading the country to a better future.
Nik Omar went on to talk about Muslims, encouraging them to respect the choices made by followers of other religions
"As Muslims, we believe in Islam. But at the same time, we should respect the choices of other races. We should respect the choices of other religions," he said during his speech.
"There's no coercion in religion... we respect each other's views," Nik Omar added.
"That's what Islam teaches us," he said, followed by cheers from the crowd.
Nik Omar's speech attracted positive comments from netizens, who mostly applauded him for focusing on the universal values of Islam
Human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen praised Nik Omar for his speech in a tweet, and likened him to his late father, Tok Guru Nik Aziz.
Previously, Malay Mail Online reported Nik Omar as saying that he is confident about carrying on his father's legacy, who strived for "the benefit of everyone".
One netizen also complimented Nik Omar's emphasis on the respect Muslims are bound to give to people of other faiths.
Another netizen applauded Nik Omar for focusing on the rights of everyone, and earning respect from non-Muslims.
Earlier this week, Nik Omar's brother and PAS supreme council member Nik Abduh was quoted by Malaysiakini as saying that their mother, Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak is hurt by Nik Omar's candidacy under Amanah.
