"As he is a graduate of the Saudi (university) and holds a doctorate degree, we consider him competent," MUI Chairman Ma`ruf Amin noted.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has appointed Islam Defenders Fronts Grand Imam Rizieq Shihab as religious expert to study Basuki Tjahaja Purnamas (Ahoks) statement on Surah Al-Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran, its chief stated.
"As he is a graduate of the Saudi (university) and holds a doctorate degree, we consider him competent," MUI Chairman Maruf Amin noted as he gave his testimonies in the hearing of the blasphemy case involving non-active Jakarta Governor Ahok at the Agriculture Ministry complex in South Jakarta on Tuesday.
Amin has confirmed the councils letter appointing Rizieq as a religious expert to study the non-active Jakarta governors statement.
"I did not sign the letter but one of the MUI chairmen signed it. Organizationally, the letter is valid," he remarked.
Amin pointed out that the National Movement to Safeguard MUIs Fatwa (GNPF-MUI) has nothing to do with the MUI.
"It has nothing to do with MUI. The council has warned (GNPF-MUI) against bringing MUIs attribute in its various activities," he noted.
He said the MUI has set up four commissions to discuss the alleged blasphemy case.
"The four commissions deal with fatwa, law, study, and information to check and investigate (findings) on the field and later discuss it," he added.
After the four commissions held discussions, they later reported the results to the councils day-to-day executive board.
"(The results) were later discussed at a meeting of the day-to-day executive board of which I am a member. The day-to-day executive board comprises the general chairman, deputy chairman, and secretaries. In total, it comprises 20 members," he remarked.
After the matter was discussed with the day-to-day executive board, the MUI reached a conclusion that Ahoks statement has blasphemed the religion and ulemas, he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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