REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — A vice presidential candidate of presidential candidate President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), KH Ma’ruf Amin said there was misunderstanding related to his statement about deaf and blind. According to him, his statement was not related to physical, but heart.

“It was just a misunderstanding. What I mean is blind-hearted, so it is not relate to physical condition,” said Ma’ruf on Tuesday (Nov 13).

Ma’ruf explained his statement reffered to the Holy Qur’an that say "shummun bukmun 'umyun fahum laa yarji'uun, which means blind, deaf, and mute". Therefore, no one should be offended by a quote from the Qu'ran.

Ma’ruf also said his statement was similar to a song sung by King of Dangdut Rhoma Irama. In that song, Rhoma says about blind-hearted and deaf-hearted.

Earlier, Ma’ruf said Jokowi has succeeded in making regions develop. He stressed only the deaf and blind whose not aware with that achievements.

“Healthy people can see achievements reached, only those who are deaf and blind can’t see and hear the reality,” Ma’ruf said.

Ma'ruf statement became controversy. West Java people with disabilities were offended and demanded an apology.

In addition, Ma’ruf statement was regretted by the opposition camp. According to spokesman of Prabowo Subianto - Sandiaga Uno pair success team, Andre Rosiade there are more subtle words to express it.

He said words of deaf and blind can offend people with the disability.   “I hope Ma’ruf can be wiser in using those words,” Andre said.

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