A social media video that allegedly mocked DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke through the use of an Islamic prayer ritual has sparked controversy, with a DAP leader urging its creator to remove the post and issue a public apology.
DAP Central Executive Committee member and Johor vice-chairman Sheikh Omar Ali criticised the video, saying it misused a sacred religious practice for political ridicule.
According to Sheikh Omar, the post was uploaded on Threads three days ago by Wan Mohamad Zuhir, a member of the UMNO Youth executive committee.
The video reportedly showed a group of people seated on the floor reciting prayers, accompanied by a caption claiming they were performing a “tahlil” ceremony for Anthony Loke, along with the words “our condolences.”
A tahlil is an Islamic prayer gathering traditionally held to remember and pray for the deceased.
Sheikh Omar said that regardless of political differences, such religious rituals should never be used to mock or ridicule living individuals or serve as a tool for political attacks and publicity.
He stressed that Islam teaches respect, compassion and human dignity, adding that exploiting religious symbols for political purposes could offend the Muslim community and undermine harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Sheikh Omar, who is also a senator, said his checks found that Wan Mohamad Zuhir previously served as president of the UMNO Students Club and currently holds positions as an executive committee member of the UMNO Pasir Mas division and a member of the party’s leadership training council.
He argued that political leaders, particularly those holding party positions, should exercise greater responsibility when dealing with matters involving religion instead of turning sacred practices into political jokes.
Describing the act as irresponsible and contrary to religious values, Sheikh Omar said it could also embarrass Malays and Muslims who place great importance on courtesy and moral conduct.
He called on Wan Mohamad Zuhir to immediately remove the video and issue a formal public apology.
Sheikh Omar added that while political competition and criticism are part of democracy, political differences should never be used to insult religion, misuse sacred traditions or attack the dignity of political opponents.
He warned that bringing religious rituals into political satire risks blurring the line between legitimate political criticism and religious insult, potentially escalating political disputes into sensitive religious and social issues.
