Melaka: Islam does not teach its followers to discriminate in their sympathy toward any party, regardless of differing schools of thought (mazhab) or religion, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized that Malaysia's expressions of sympathy for Islamic countries experiencing conflict in the Middle East should not be viewed as acts of defiance against major global powers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated, "As Muslims, whatever school of thought we hold, we must feel sympathy not only when a country is attacked, but also when its top leader is assassinated." He further highlighted the importance of opposing restrictions on expressing sympathy for fellow Muslim nations, even if it means being perceived as misaligned with major powers. This statement was made during his address at the Melaka State Government's Majlis Santunan Kasih Ramadan and Iftar Jamaie Mega event, attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and approximately 3,000 guests at the Al-Azim Mosque Islamic Center Square in Bukit Palah.

Ahmad Zahid also remarked that despite Malaysia's Muslim-majority population, the country has never adopted a stance of animosity towards other religions. He urged citizens to appreciate the unity present in Malaysia and to maintain peace and harmony by respecting differences in religion, language, and culture during the holy month of Ramadan.