Rudd says muslim leader must go quickly 

BRISBANE TIME 

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has denied reports it has sacked controversial Muslim leader Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly as mufti of Australia. 

AFIC president Ikebal Patel says a Fairfax newspaper report that the group's abolished the role of mufti and cut all ties with the sheik is wrong. However Mr Patel did say the sheik's pay was suspended last year. 

"No, we haven't sacked the mufti ... (Sheik al Hilaly) is still the mufti," Mr Patel told Sky News this morning. "The position of mufti itself is very much there and the ... incumbent, while not being paid for the position, is still the holder of the position." 

The federation said it was up to the Australian National Imams Council to decide the fate of the mufti, with a decision expected by the end of June. 

Mr Patel said AFIC has had issues with some of the sheik's comments and if he's to continue as mufti he'll have to follow strict guidelines about what he can get involved in and have English-speakers around him so what he says isn't misinterpreted. Meanwhile, federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd said today the muslim cleric must urgently be removed as Australia's mufti. 

Mr Rudd said most Australian muslims would like to see the controversial cleric sacked. "Whatever may be said about Sheik al Hilaly today, the truth remains that Sheik Alhilali cannot continue as the mufti of Australia," he told reporters in Queensland. 

The Opposition Leader said the mufti had expressed views inconsistent with mainstream Australia. The mufti sparked outrage last year when he likened scantily clad women to uncovered meat, suggesting they were to blame for sexual attacks on them. 

Earlier this year, on Egyptian television, he compounded the controversy by disparaging Australia's convict heritage, saying Muslims had a greater right to be in Australia than people brought here in chains. 

"You cannot have someone who defends gang rapists being the mufti of Australia," said Mr Rudd. "It's time for Sheik al Hilaly to go and it's time that that happened as a matter of urgency." AAP 


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