The DAP rebuked the government today for refusing to punish Datuk Ibrahim Ali over his crusade threat against Christians, declaring this as proof that Umno backs the leader’s controversial Malay rights group Perkasa.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng described Perkasa as Umno’s “alter ego” while his deputy Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham said both parties were playing a game of “good cop, bad cop” to woo Malay support.
“We have always believed that Ibrahim Ali is working hand in hand with Umno. Umno is using Perkasa to stir up Malay fear to force unity and make them support Barisan Nasional (BN).
“They are trying to use this common enemy syndrome and BN hopes to use Perkasa to actually send the message that Umno has been trying to send all this while,” said Ngeh.
He also accused Ibrahim of being a bad Muslim for professing himself as a protector of Islam but at the same time inciting unrest by calling for violence against the Christians.
He charged that Ibrahim’s main agenda was to cause fear among the Muslims and fabricate a struggle between the races in order to emerge as a “hero of Islam”.
“Religion should remain pure but far too often politicians use it for their personal agenda. In my opinion, he is not practising Islam at all... by making false accusations, inciting hatred, he is not a good Muslim,” he said.
The DAP leaders also agreed that the government’s failure to punish Ibrahim for his threat, which they said was a form of “criminal intimidation”, was clearly a case of double standards by the administration.
As an example, DAP national organising secretary Teresa Kok pointed out to The Malaysian Insider that an investigation had immediately been called when an article alleging a conspiracy by the Christians to usurp Islam was published in Malay daily Utusan Malaysia.
“Why, when Utusan published a blogger’s article talking about rumours that Christians want to change the religion of the federation, which is not at all the case, the cops came out to say that they were investigating it. And so many people were called up.
“What about this one? Is this not equally as inflammatory?” she said when contacted.
Kok added that all eyes would be on the government now to see if any action would be taken against Ibrahim.
Lim said the statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein yesterday in explaining the issue was unsatisfactory and only further confirms Umno’s backing of Perkasa.
When asked for his remarks yesterday, Hishammuddin appeared to brush off concerns, saying Ibrahim does not represent the sentiments of all Malays.
“I don’t think Ibrahim Ali represents all the Malays or all the Muslims. Same as Osama bin Laden, he doesn’t represent all the Muslims.
“There are extremists, I’m not saying Ibrahim Ali is an extremist, please don’t quote me wrongly but I’m saying that there are different levels of understanding so let the public decide who they want to represent (them),” he said, adding that there are extremists in the Chinese community as well.
“This is a weak excuse by Umno because if action is only taken based on the strength of your representation not the nature and ill-intent of your violence, why then act against terrorists because they also do not represent all the Malays?
“This latest justification by Hishamuddin on why no action is taken against Ibrahim only confirms that Perkasa is Umno’s alter ego,” said Lim.
He pointed out that when Ibrahim launched his crusade threat against Christians on Saturday during the ceramah organised by the Komunity 1 Malaysia group in Kampung Changkat in Gombak here, several Umno leaders were present — Gombak Umno chief Abdul Rahman Kamaruddin, his deputy Abdul Aziz Jantan and division information chief Ismail Ahman.
In his speech, Ibrahim had called for a crusade or holy war against the Christians if the community proceeds with its agenda to usurp Islam.
“Please record my words — if there is any party in Penang, especially the Christian priests who are being backed by the Penang DAP, should continue with their agenda which we already know, I would like to offer that if they want to hold a crusade, we can,” he had said.
Anwar ordered to enter defence from June 6-30
Sodomy II:
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court on Monday ordered Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to defend himself against a charge of sodomising his former personal assistant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan three years ago.
High Court judge Justice Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and the 63-year-old PKR adviser must enter his defence in a continuation of his trial fixed from June 6 to June 30.
“The accused is charged with carnal intercourse against order of nature.
“The defence tried to paint Saiful as a witness who was not credible and that he was not a good Muslim. With great respect to defence, these arguments are irrelevant.
“Saiful appeared to be a truthful witness and his evidence reliable, with the minute details given in his account.
“Therefore, the next question is whether there is evidence to corroborate Saiful's statements.
“The three doctors who testified confirmed that there was penile penetration.
“As for contamination of DNA evidence, all samples taken were immediately sealed. I find the possibility of contamination of samples to be remote.
“Based on all the above reasons, the prosecution has made a prima facie case against the accused. The defence is called,” he said.
A total of 27 prosecution witnesses were called to take the stand during 59 days of hearing.
On Aug 7, 2008, Anwar pleaded not guilty to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
The alleged offence took place between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
He is charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code and if convicted, could be sentenced to up to 20 years' jail and whipped.
Anwar remained composed after he heard the ruling on Monday. He smiled as he greeted supporters.
The lawyers then entered chambers.
Supporters said they were not surprised by the ruling as it was widely expected.
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court on Monday ordered Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to defend himself against a charge of sodomising his former personal assistant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan three years ago.
High Court judge Justice Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and the 63-year-old PKR adviser must enter his defence in a continuation of his trial fixed from June 6 to June 30.
“The accused is charged with carnal intercourse against order of nature.
“The defence tried to paint Saiful as a witness who was not credible and that he was not a good Muslim. With great respect to defence, these arguments are irrelevant.
“Saiful appeared to be a truthful witness and his evidence reliable, with the minute details given in his account.
“Therefore, the next question is whether there is evidence to corroborate Saiful's statements.
“The three doctors who testified confirmed that there was penile penetration.
“As for contamination of DNA evidence, all samples taken were immediately sealed. I find the possibility of contamination of samples to be remote.
“Based on all the above reasons, the prosecution has made a prima facie case against the accused. The defence is called,” he said.
A total of 27 prosecution witnesses were called to take the stand during 59 days of hearing.
On Aug 7, 2008, Anwar pleaded not guilty to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
The alleged offence took place between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
He is charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code and if convicted, could be sentenced to up to 20 years' jail and whipped.
Anwar remained composed after he heard the ruling on Monday. He smiled as he greeted supporters.
The lawyers then entered chambers.
Supporters said they were not surprised by the ruling as it was widely expected.
Why is Ibrahim Ali Not Arrested?
Ibrahim Ali is not the bogeyman but a real threat — Haris Ibrahim
May 16, 2011
MAY 16 — The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) is sickened by the racist and anti-Christian rants of Ibrahim Ali, the president of Perkasa.
We are equally sickened by the tepid response from the home minister and the rest of the BN government to his incessant and increasingly rabid provocations.
Most recently, Ibrahim has called for a crusade against Christians. He has said that he is ready to fight, he is prepared to be detained under the Internal Security Act, he is willing to answer to a higher power if he is wrong.
His words clearly indicate that there is nothing holding him back from initiating an attack against Christians or those parties he suspects are backing the unsubstantiated “Christian conspiracy.” This makes him a dangerous threat to Malaysia’s peace, stability and security.
Therefore, it is alarming to note that there has been no action taken against Ibrahim. Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has merely said that Ibrahim does not speak for all Malays. He expressly denied that Ibrahim is not an extremist, but said that there were extremists in the Chinese community.
Is the home minister confirming that his ministry practises double standards when it comes to national security?
The home minister must realise that by allowing Ibrahim to continue his irrational but dangerous pro-Malay agenda, he is driving away investors and capital from Malaysia.
Already Talent Corp has had to issue a statement urging overseas Malaysians to ignore the heightening race rhetoric emanating from the country.
The MCLM has time and again called on the home minister and the BN government to act firmly and decisively against Ibrahim and Perkasa.
They should not allow these extremists to shape the public discourse on race relations in Malaysia because that can only end in disaster and bloodshed.
If the home minister cannot or will not take steps to protect the peace and harmony desired by all rational Malaysians, we will take steps to elect a government that will.
* Haris Ibrahim is the MCLM president.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
May 16, 2011
MAY 16 — The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) is sickened by the racist and anti-Christian rants of Ibrahim Ali, the president of Perkasa.
We are equally sickened by the tepid response from the home minister and the rest of the BN government to his incessant and increasingly rabid provocations.
Most recently, Ibrahim has called for a crusade against Christians. He has said that he is ready to fight, he is prepared to be detained under the Internal Security Act, he is willing to answer to a higher power if he is wrong.
His words clearly indicate that there is nothing holding him back from initiating an attack against Christians or those parties he suspects are backing the unsubstantiated “Christian conspiracy.” This makes him a dangerous threat to Malaysia’s peace, stability and security.
Therefore, it is alarming to note that there has been no action taken against Ibrahim. Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has merely said that Ibrahim does not speak for all Malays. He expressly denied that Ibrahim is not an extremist, but said that there were extremists in the Chinese community.
Is the home minister confirming that his ministry practises double standards when it comes to national security?
The home minister must realise that by allowing Ibrahim to continue his irrational but dangerous pro-Malay agenda, he is driving away investors and capital from Malaysia.
Already Talent Corp has had to issue a statement urging overseas Malaysians to ignore the heightening race rhetoric emanating from the country.
The MCLM has time and again called on the home minister and the BN government to act firmly and decisively against Ibrahim and Perkasa.
They should not allow these extremists to shape the public discourse on race relations in Malaysia because that can only end in disaster and bloodshed.
If the home minister cannot or will not take steps to protect the peace and harmony desired by all rational Malaysians, we will take steps to elect a government that will.
* Haris Ibrahim is the MCLM president.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
Islam Under Attack in Malaysia?
Yusri Mohamad, a product of the International Islamic University, ABIM and Pembela, and onetime personal aid to PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, claims that Islam is under attack. And should we be surprised when Muslims make a mockery of Islam? Anyway, this “Islam under attack” is all in the narrow minds of Muslims.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Islam's position under siege in M'sia, warns Pembela
(Malaysiakini) - The Coalition of Muslim Organisations (Pembela) has claimed that the position of Islam in Malaysia is under siege.
Speaking to reporters today, spokesperson Yusri Mohamad said this is particularly in relation to recent developments in Islam-Christian affairs.
Specifically, he cited the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang and the 'pseudo-appointment' of Christian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala to handle issues pertaining the Malay-language Bible as threatening Islam's position as the official religion.
He claimed there is no provision in the federal constitution for any official non-Muslim affairs body, and that making Idris the go-to minister for Christian affairs is thus unconstitutional.
"There is a (threat). These sorts of threats come in seasons but now have become more serious and are putting a lot of pressure on the way we deal with issues pertaining to Islam,” he said.
"Islam is the official religion and is a pillar of our nation, but attempts are being made to make its position equal to other religions.
"Followers of other religions are portrayed as marginalised and oppressed... Islam and Muslims are dressed in an ugly mask and is made to seem guilty so that they give in (to demands)."
The fact that Idris was appointed to handle the Al Kitab issue was also wrong, he said, since Idris cannot be said to be non-partisan because he is Christian.
"He says he is non-partisan politically but this is a religious issue, and he is partisan. As we understand it, the (10-point proposal) was produced without consultation with the Fatwa Council, religious scholars and Muslim NGOs," he said.
Instead, he said the matter should have been handled by two ministers in the Prime Minister's Department - Jamil Khir Baharom who is in charge of Islamic affairs, and Koh Tsu Koon who is in charge of national harmony.
"We feel that the government can act within their powers...but Christian groups are now using terms like 'deface' and 'desecration' which is pushing the issue ... out of hand," he said.
As such, Pembela, a coalition of about 80 NGOs, will be hosting a conference on Saturday to discuss the issue of the sovereignty of Islam in Malaysia.
Themed 'Islam under siege: What will we do?', the event will be open to all Muslim NGOs and will feature a forum on the topic.
Among the topics to be discussed are the Al Kitab, conversions to Islam, religious freedom and the way such matters are handled by the government.
"We hope to then take the outcome of our discussion to the cabinet, prime minister, Rulers Council, political parties and mufti," he said.
Pembela not 'extremist'
Commenting on a police report recently lodged by a Christian against Pembela, Yusri said said the coalition is not an extremist group as perceived.
"We feel that the police report was a way to blow up the issue. Pembela has been around for a while and anyone who does a background check will find that we are not an extremist group," he said.
Pembela has never officially said it is willing to 'shed blood against Christians', as stated in the police report, he said.
"But perhaps during the peaceful demonstrations there were harsh words said, which is normal in a demonstration. You can't expect us to berbalas pantun.
"It is wrong to say that our movement is a threat to our non-Muslim friends," he said.
He added that police had contacted Pembela a week after the report to ask for recordings and materials distributed during the demonstration in March to assist in their investigation.
"No member (has been) called for questioning," he added.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Islam's position under siege in M'sia, warns Pembela
(Malaysiakini) - The Coalition of Muslim Organisations (Pembela) has claimed that the position of Islam in Malaysia is under siege.
Speaking to reporters today, spokesperson Yusri Mohamad said this is particularly in relation to recent developments in Islam-Christian affairs.
Specifically, he cited the designation of a non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang and the 'pseudo-appointment' of Christian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala to handle issues pertaining the Malay-language Bible as threatening Islam's position as the official religion.
He claimed there is no provision in the federal constitution for any official non-Muslim affairs body, and that making Idris the go-to minister for Christian affairs is thus unconstitutional.
"There is a (threat). These sorts of threats come in seasons but now have become more serious and are putting a lot of pressure on the way we deal with issues pertaining to Islam,” he said.
"Islam is the official religion and is a pillar of our nation, but attempts are being made to make its position equal to other religions.
"Followers of other religions are portrayed as marginalised and oppressed... Islam and Muslims are dressed in an ugly mask and is made to seem guilty so that they give in (to demands)."
The fact that Idris was appointed to handle the Al Kitab issue was also wrong, he said, since Idris cannot be said to be non-partisan because he is Christian.
"He says he is non-partisan politically but this is a religious issue, and he is partisan. As we understand it, the (10-point proposal) was produced without consultation with the Fatwa Council, religious scholars and Muslim NGOs," he said.
Instead, he said the matter should have been handled by two ministers in the Prime Minister's Department - Jamil Khir Baharom who is in charge of Islamic affairs, and Koh Tsu Koon who is in charge of national harmony.
"We feel that the government can act within their powers...but Christian groups are now using terms like 'deface' and 'desecration' which is pushing the issue ... out of hand," he said.
As such, Pembela, a coalition of about 80 NGOs, will be hosting a conference on Saturday to discuss the issue of the sovereignty of Islam in Malaysia.
Themed 'Islam under siege: What will we do?', the event will be open to all Muslim NGOs and will feature a forum on the topic.
Among the topics to be discussed are the Al Kitab, conversions to Islam, religious freedom and the way such matters are handled by the government.
"We hope to then take the outcome of our discussion to the cabinet, prime minister, Rulers Council, political parties and mufti," he said.
Pembela not 'extremist'
Commenting on a police report recently lodged by a Christian against Pembela, Yusri said said the coalition is not an extremist group as perceived.
"We feel that the police report was a way to blow up the issue. Pembela has been around for a while and anyone who does a background check will find that we are not an extremist group," he said.
Pembela has never officially said it is willing to 'shed blood against Christians', as stated in the police report, he said.
"But perhaps during the peaceful demonstrations there were harsh words said, which is normal in a demonstration. You can't expect us to berbalas pantun.
"It is wrong to say that our movement is a threat to our non-Muslim friends," he said.
He added that police had contacted Pembela a week after the report to ask for recordings and materials distributed during the demonstration in March to assist in their investigation.
"No member (has been) called for questioning," he added.
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