In a blog posting titled “Haram Halal” (permitted and forbidden in Islam) this morning, Dr Mahathir Mohamad sought answers to clear his “confusion” about the religion.

The former prime minister said both his friends and foes have barred him from speaking on matters related to Islam since he is not religious, nor does he understand Arabic.

“And I don't look like an ulama (religious scholar), I don't wear a turban, jubah (robe) or slippers.

“I was advised to just listen to the teachings and lectures of those qualified (to speak about Islam), those trained in the religion, albeit just at the pondok (elementary) level in the kampung,” he added.

Mahathir said he accepted this advice and therefore would not speak or lecture about Islam.

However, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson pointed out that he could still pose questions to the pious in order to seek clarification.

“There are many things about Islam which confuse me.

“Among them is the issue of haram and halal. Since young, I was told that pork is haram to be consumed by Muslims.

“Can I ask if a pig is slaughtered by mentioning the name of God, is the meat still haram?” asked the 93-year-old politician, who is known for speaking his mind on sensitive subjects.

Mahathir also asked if “stolen money” was considered haram or otherwise and if such funds could be made halal by using it to perform the Haj or pilgrimage.

“If we do not know the money is stolen, is it wrong to use the money to perform the Haj? If we know the money is stolen, is it halal when used for Haj-related matters?” he questioned.

Recalling another episode from his childhood, Mahathir said there was a fatwa (edict) that prohibited the corpse of a Muslim to be transported in a motorised hearse.

The former prime minister revealed that he witnessed the remains of a member of the Kedah royal family being taken to the mausoleum in a hearse pulled by several people.

“I was told it was haram to place a corpse on a motorised hearse because the 'motor' (engine) was made by infidels. But now, all hearses are motorised. What happened to the old fatwa?” he asked.

Without mentioning PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (photo), Mahathir also referred to an amanat (message) that accused the Malaysian government of being an infidel government.

“Until now, those responsible for matters related to Islam have not rejected this amanat.

“Is it true that the Malaysian government is an infidel government that must be opposed through jihad and those who die (in this battle) are considered martyrs?” he said.

Mahathir has repeatedly blamed Hadi's controversial 1981 amanat for the Memali tragedy, which occurred five years later.

He said in his blog that he was just scratching the surface with regard to Islamic teachings and practices which confuse him.

“I hope I am not advised against asking. I have heard numerous lectures by ulama.

“But the questions that I am confused about have not been touched (by these ulama), except by certain individuals who have other interests, apart from Islam,” he added, without elaborating.