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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Ibrahim Ali backs ex-CJ in Penang row


Lim Guan Eng's "outburst" over remarks by former chief justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad that Islam is under threat in Penang is unbecoming of a chief minister, said Malay rights NGO Perkasa.

Calling Abdul Hamid "racist and a liar" for revealing allegations by an unnamed former Penang mufti smacks of immaturity and is unstatesman-like, according to Perkasa leader Ibrahim Ali.

"There were others who insulted Islam in their speeches, social media and blogs but Lim did not retaliate in such a manner. Why did he remain quiet during those times?" Ibrahim asked, when met in Penang for sahur this morning.

"He doesn't need to retaliate like that. As chief minister, he should provide proof, facts. Tell us since they took over in 2008, how much funds have they allocated for Islamic activities, we just want to know," he said.

"As CM, he should respond to Abdul Hamid. There is no need to jump or shout. He acts as if he is a street gangster," Ibrahim stressed.

Lim (right), who was flabbergasted by Abdul Hamid’s remarks, has suggested the former chief justice to get counselling as his allegations were not only baseless but inappropriate for his stature as an ex-top judge.

State executive member for Islamic affairs Abdul Malik Kassim described Abdul Hamid’s claims as "pure nonsense" and called on the retired judge to retract his accusations, which were made in a recent speech in Penang attended by Islamic NGOs.

At the same time, the Penang cabinet member revealed the state’s allocations for Islamic activities since Pakatan took control of the state government in 2008.                                  

Meanwhile, former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreevanesan alsotook a hit at Abdul Hamid, suggesting that former judges should watch their conduct as it has a bearing on the judiciary.

Despite Abdul Malik listing out the state allocations, Ibrahim challenged Lim to show proof that the Penang government had given more funds to Islamic activities than other religious activities.
                                                                                                          
“By right, Islamic activities should receive more funds as it is the religion of the federation," declared the former Pasir MAS MP.

He also advised Lim to be patient, like Prime Minister Najib Razak who despite ferocious attacks by his critics, remain silent.

Islam’s status higher than others

Ibrahim strenuously defended Abdul Hamid, arguing that "surely the former mufti was telling the truth".

"All the Malay NGOs supported him as he was merely issuing a reminder that the situation should not be left unchecked," he said.

"Don't underestimate the Malays who are usually tolerant, patient and do not fight back when attacked but when they explode, it reaches up to the ceiling," Ibrahim warned.

Asked why Abdul Hamid (left) did not criticise Gerakan for questioning the Penang government for handing out more funds for Islamic activities, Ibrahim said these Chinese parties were merely seeking political mileage.

"DAP, Gerakan and MCA are trying to outdo one another to advance their chauvinism. They want to show who is more Chinese to the Chinese voters, but the result of their actions affect racial unity," he said without batting an eyelid.

On the incident of multi-faith prayers held at an event attended by Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, Ibrahim said the Muslim prayer should be conducted first.

The groundbreaking ceremony of a building owned by the Penang Indian Association was also attended by Human Resources and Environment minister G Palanivel in February this year.

Ramasamy had clarified that multi-faith prayers were conducted as association members were Indians from different faiths, including Islam, adding that "such events should be commended".

"Sure we practise religious freedom but other faiths should conduct their prayers later, not at the same time as the Muslim prayer," said Ibrahim.

"Islam is the religion of the constitution. It looks like certain quarters want to challenge us by placing us the same position as other religions," he said.

"Muslims are the majority in the country. Placing Islam at the same level as others is belittling the religion."

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