Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today hit out at parties who he said had committed "slander" in commenting on the haj pilgrimage that he performed last month.

Speaking at an event with religious scholars and imam in Kuala Lumpur, Najib said such acts were devoid of morality and tried to "incite anger" against him.

"Photographs of my tawaf were doctored to erase the other haj congregations and incite the anger of the people against their leader.

"Where is the morality and ethics? Slander is a grave sin," Najib said.

NONE Several photos of Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor performing the haj, purportedly with special treatment, had been circulated on the Internet last month.

The premier's haj trip was also questioned by Perlis mufti Juanda Jaya, who in a press statement wondered how Najib could have completed the haj ahead of the other congregations.

Apparently referring to this statement from the mufti, Najib said the ulama should not "be too fanatical and partisan in politics".

"(Ulama cannot be) too fanatical or be quick to pass judgment on others without checking.

"Not everything in this country, especially religious matters, should be polemical or politicised," the prime minister said.

Addressing the audience of about 1,000 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Najib said the ulama must remain united and not be divided along political lines for the sake of the faith.

“There should be concern about what would happen if others are allowed to demonise and make fun of Islam.

“I urge the ulama... forget political differences and unite to defend the faith and dignity of Islam from any trespass,” he said.

Islam under threat

Najib said unity was even more important today, when Islam appeared to be under threat.

NONE “There are parties who like to take advantage of a bad situation. We must be aware that the enemy is always looking for ways to split the ummah from the true teachings of Islam,” he said.

These people would be satisfied by “poisoning” the minds of Muslims with “liberalism and pluralism”.

“This is enough for them. It does not need to reach a stage of apostasy,” he said.

As such, Muslims must strengthen their knowledge of their faith and not be easily persuaded by “the pleas of certain quarters who only know how to blame the government when sensitive issues emerge”.

At the same time, the prime minister said, that any “trespass” against Islam must be dealt with “firmly, but with wisdom in accordance with the federal constitution”.

He added: “The rakyat must try to find similarities among them and to reduce their differences.

“If we are able to compromise on our sensitivities and be tolerant, our diversity can become our strength.”

Najib also announced a hike in allowances for district mosque supervising officers, from RM1,260 to RM1,860 a month, with an additional transport allowance hike of RM200 a month.

“Seeing as there are only 87 such officers nationwide, the government has decided to appoint more people to the post,” he said.