.png)
SHAH ALAM – A social media post questioning the use of the word “lighad” by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2027 has sparked controversy, prompting criticism and investigations by the authorities.
The issue has drawn attention to the meaning of the Quranic expression, concerns over alleged mockery of a religious text and the boundaries of responsible speech on social media.
What does ‘lighad’ mean?
The word “lighad” refers to “tomorrow” or the future in the context of verse 18 of Surah al-Hasyr in the Quran, which calls on believers to consider what they have prepared for the Hereafter.
Anwar used the expression when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 9.
The controversy emerged after social media influencer Lim Sian See, whose real name is Datuk Eric See-To, questioned the term in an online post and sarcastically linked it to another word.
The post drew criticism from several quarters, with critics arguing that associating the Quranic expression with another word was disrespectful to the Islamic holy text.
What did the Religious Affairs Minister say?
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the sanctity of the Quran must be respected and preserved, warning against making its verses or expressions subjects of mockery.
He said Quranic expressions should be understood in their proper context and should not be distorted in ways that demean the religion.
Zulkifli also urged the public to refer suspected acts of religious disrespect to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate action under the law.
What are the police and MCMC investigating?
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed that it had opened an investigation into social media content suspected of insulting Islam in connection with the controversy.
The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which concerns the improper use of network facilities or services.
A source said Lim was summoned to the Brickfields District Police Headquarters yesterday to have his statement recorded over the online post.
He was subsequently brought to the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters at 12.45am before the case was referred to Bukit Aman. Lim was later released on police bail.
The investigation follows public criticism of his post questioning the use of “lighad” in Anwar’s Budget 2027 speech.
Have police reports been lodged?
Yes. Several reports were reported in connection with the controversy.
Wanita PKR executive committee member Farahida Fauzi said the organisation lodged a police report at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters on Oct 11, calling for the matter to be investigated.
She called for an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation, adding that action should be taken if a breach of the law was established.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh also urged See-To to issue a public apology over the post, describing the alleged mockery of a Quranic expression as a serious matter.
See-To has reportedly denied that his post was intended to insult the Quran, claiming that others had added the Quranic excerpt on social media to portray his post as an attack on the holy book.
