Prominent human rights advocate Siti Kasim has harshly criticised Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, also known as Dr MAZA, for urging Malaysian Muslims to side with Pakistan in its conflict with India. She argued that such remarks could dangerously undermine Malaysia’s delicate multi-faith balance, especially in a society that includes a significant Hindu population.
According to Siti, Dr MAZA's comments were irresponsible and one-sided, especially in light of the recent alleged killing of Hindu civilians by armed militants in Jammu and Kashmir. She questioned his silence over such tragedies while calling for solidarity with Pakistan based solely on shared religious identity.
Siti also challenged the narrative that India is inherently hostile towards Muslims. She pointed out that India is home to over 200 million Muslims, far more than Malaysia, and has previously elected a Muslim president who earned broad national admiration. In contrast, she questioned whether Pakistan has ever shown the same inclusivity towards its Hindu minority, who number around five million.
She further highlighted that Muslim individuals hold prominent positions in India's military, including a Muslim woman officer leading a major operation. This, she said, contradicts the assumption that India marginalises its Muslim citizens.
Adding to her criticism, Siti pointed out what she sees as double standards from those who rally behind causes in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan or Palestine while showing disdain towards symbols of other communities within Malaysia. She found it hypocritical that some Malaysians grow enraged over minor issues such as flag errors or foreign cultural displays, yet enthusiastically support foreign flags from Islamic nations without hesitation.
The activist stressed that foreign geopolitical conflicts, particularly between India and Pakistan—two nations with a long history of hostilities—should not be imported into Malaysian discourse. She warned that taking sides in such disputes risks inflaming tensions at home.
Siti believes Malaysia should focus on resolving its own internal issues rather than meddling in international conflicts. She questioned whether Dr MAZA's remarks contribute to unity and peace in a multicultural society like Malaysia. In her view, provoking religious or racial sentiments does nothing but threaten the harmony Malaysians have worked hard to maintain.
She concluded by calling on political and religious leaders to avoid exploiting foreign issues to gain domestic influence, urging a focus on inclusivity, peace, and national progress.
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