By PMT Desk

MANILA – Prominent Muslim leaders and scholars have voiced strong opposition to the recent nomination of Raymond Balatbat, a non-Muslim, as the Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

A statement furnished Philippine Muslim Today said Sultan Saad I. Amate, President of United Imam of the Philippines, and Dr. Camad Mangotara Ali, Chairman cum President of SPMUDA International Organization for Peace Development, have written an official letter to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressing this serious issue.

In their letter, they emphasized the profound religious and cultural significance of Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest cities — Makkah and Al-Madinah.

They argued that the position of Ambassador to Saudi Arabia requires a candidate with a deep understanding of Islamic traditions, Sharia law, and Arabic culture. “Despite his diplomatic experience, Mr. Balatbat does not meet these critical qualifications,” they said.

The Muslim leaders pointed out that they have previously nominated a qualified Muslim-Arabic-speaking candidate with 25 years of exposure in Saudi Arabia.

They said this candidate’s credentials and his significant role in saving the life of former OFW Dondon Celestino Lanuza on death row were highlighted as evidence of his suitability for the position.

The letter underscored that Saudi Arabia’s official constitution is based on Islamic Sharia law, making it essential for the ambassador to be well-versed in these laws and local customs to foster stronger diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the nations.

A career diplomat may not be effective in a country like Saudi Arabia, where the language, culture, and law are based on the Holy Quran, Sharia law, the Arabic language, and a strictly Islamic system.

They emphasized that sending an ambassador without this background could be ineffective and detrimental to our foreign services and diplomacy. “Instead, we should appoint an Arabic-speaking Muslim with rich experience in Saudi Arabia,” they added.

Drawing a parallel to the potential appointment of a Muslim ambassador to the Vatican, the leaders argued that such a decision would provoke strong objections from the Catholic community.

They contended that appointing a non-Muslim envoy to Saudi Arabia is equally inappropriate.

The issue, they stated, is of paramount concern to Muslim Filipinos and the host country. They urged the Committee on Appointments to reconsider Mr. Balatbat’s nomination and instead appoint the qualified Muslim Arabic-speaking candidate who has extensive experience in Saudi Arabia.

The leaders concluded that such an appointment would honor the religious and cultural sensitivities of Saudi Arabia, enhance diplomatic relations, and ensure effective and respectful representation of the Philippines in the Kingdom.

They also acknowledged the efforts of the Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs Almarim C. Tillah and former Congressman Abdullah A. Dimaporo for their justified recommendations.

The official letter underscores the urgency and importance of this matter, awaiting a favorable response from President Marcos.