KANGAR: Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin called on DAP to apologise to Muslims and the Malay community, similar to its public apology to the government and the people of Sarawak recently.

Asri said DAP should consider doing so in order to appease the feelings of the majority community in the country, since DAP was part of the new government.

"It is hoped that this will ease the perception of the majority community (towards DAP) in the country and initiate a better resolution by taking care of the sensitivity of the Muslims and the Malay community of this country.

"If DAP refuses, they will be seen as the same DAP that Muslims were sceptical about and rejected before," he said in a Facebook posting today. 

Asri added that it would be good for political parties with a large number of Muslim members to join the new government.

"There is concern over a dominance in the government through parties (with ideologies) that run in conflict with the national identity, which may damage the integrity of the administration.

"With a strong support base, the new government will be assured against any possible threat by certain groups, who may leave the government if their demands are not met," he said.

Asri said for the sake of national harmony, it would be good for all parties to give an opportunity to the 10th Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to implement his government's agenda.

"As long as there is no element of evil and harm against the people, there is no reason for anyone to protest or go against the government," he said, while congratulating Anwar, the Tambun member of parliament, on his appointment as prime minister.

Asri hoped that Anwar, who has a background in a major Islamic youth movement, will re-emerge with an Islamic spirit and become a good statesman.

"I pray that God will guide his administration towards good and protect him from evil and His wrath."

Asri stressed that following the end of the 15th General Election, all tensions should also be put to rest.

"This is in line with our belief that when someone obtains power in the government, he is the 'Ulul Amri' (leader), who is obeyed as long as he is not involved in evil matters.

"The government must be assisted in implementing good deeds, and advised or opposed when there are matters that contradict the religion or the good interest of the people," he said.