No issues with dog decorations in public places, says mufti

KUALA LUMPUR: The use of the dog sign in Chinese New Year decorations by commercial outlets should not be an issue, the Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Osman (pix) has said.
However, he said such decorations should be used at appropriate places and not at mosques.
"If someone were to use the (dog) image, it would have to be at appropriate places," he told theSun when contacted recently.
"Shopping malls are fine. One would not place an image of a pig in front of a mosque, would they? Should Muslims wish to join in the (Chinese New Year) festivities, they may do so but moderately."
His comment is line with the statement by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) that the use of animal symbols and images during Chinese New Year is something that must be respected by everyone.
"Even though animal symbols are used during Chinese New Year, the concept of co-existence (fiqh taa'yush) dictates that all parties need to respect this practice and maintain harmony between all races," said Jakim director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha in a statement on Tuesday.
"This is in line with government's policy of using a wasatiyyah (moderate) approach
This view is also shared by others. For freelancer Aisya Shurfa said she was puzzled that the use of a canine for such purposes would be "seen as offensive".
"Dogs are cute. Love them to bits. I'm not sure how an image of a dog is offensive. All the Malaysians I know are cool with dogs, so I don't think there's an issue," she told theSun yesterday.
Online editor Mohani Niza echoed a similar sentiment, saying there was no harm to use a canine's image.
"We live in a society with many ethnic groups and religions. There's nothing wrong with dogs. As Muslims, we are simply told to 'samak' (to clean religiously) when we touch one, that's all," the 30-year-old online editor said.
Nabihah, a mother of one, noted there is a sensitivity among some Muslims on the issue.
"Personally, I believe there's no problem (using) dog images in shopping malls or public spaces.
However, there are a majority of Muslims who can't accept it.
"It's haram (not permissible) to touch a dog, not when seeing it. It's just an image and this year according to the lunar calendar it's the Year of the Dog. Takkan nak letak monyet pulak, kan?" she said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said cultural and hygiene sensitivity among a diverse community should be taken into consideration.
"We have to respect the belief of others as some may be sensitive to the subject. However, it shouldn't be taken seriously. (It's only when) an actual dog is brought in (to use as part of the festivities) then we must respect others regardless of their religious affiliation. The use of banners with it is not an issue," its president Datuk Mohan Shan said.
The Muslim People's Coalition president Amir Amsaa Alla Pitchay advised it would be wiser to use a Chinese deity's image to celebrate the year.