By Norsyafinas Ahmad Sukri | Jun 2, 11
Malaysiakini

The ubiquitous structures or monuments in the shape of the Najib Abdul Razak administration’s 1Malaysia logo is haram (forbidden), according to a fatwa (edict) by the Perlis Fatwa Council.

When contacted, Perlis Mufti Dr Juanda Jaya said that the council was of the opinion that such structures may be subject to pemujaan al-Ansab (idolatry).

This was decided during the council’s meeting on April 18 and 19 and it was approved by the Perlis Islamic Council (MAIP). Consent from the Raja of Perlis has also been obtained.

However, the fatwa will not be gazetted and thus serves merely as an advice to Muslims.

According to the fatwa, the advise was made based on Verse 90 of the Surah al-Maidah which details prohibitions on alcohol, gambling and idolatry.

“This must also be seen as a spendthrift act, which is forbidden in Islam,” said Juanda (right).

The fatwa has been publicised through state publications, including MAIP’s organ Irsyad Hukum, he said.

The 1Malaysia campaign is the brainchild of Prime Minister Najib, which calls for national unity and has become the centrepiece of his administration.

Since he took office in April 2009, the 1Malaysia logo has appeared in many if not most government publicity materials and it is also frequently used for commercial reasons.