REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Religious shcolars from Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) Muhammad Amin Suma said Alquran has never deceive. He was very objected to the defendant, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama's (Ahok), statement mentioning "deceived and fooled by surah Al Maidah verse 51". "The problem is being lied using Al Maidah verse 51 nor to be fooled using Al Maidah verse 51. The Quran will never lie to anyone," he reiterated in the trial of alleged religious blasphemy  on Monday.

Suma was one of expert witnesses presented by the prosecutor. Suma said Al Maidah verse 51 clearly stated prohibition for Muslims to elect non-Muslim leader. The judges then asked whether the ban applies in every election leader. "Non-Muslims may nominate themselves to became a leader. Their right is protected by the law. Meanwhile, Muslims got the right to elect a leader who has the same faith and the law did not forbid it," he explained.

Also read: Ahok's speech in Seribu Island is out of context: Expert witness

Ahok's legal advisor refused to respond Suma's testimony. They said the witness has conflict with their client. Their accusation was based on the fact that the professor at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University was also the vice chairman of MUI's Fatwa Committe that issued religious statement regarding Ahok's speech related to Al Maidah verse 51. 

The prosecutor, Ali Mukartono, said in the trial such conflict was not deemed. In this case, Ali said the defendant has violated the law of Criminal Code. "Virtually there was no interest of the witness from MUI with the defendant," he remarked.

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