Perkasa VP in Kelantan to contest Chempaka by-election

Candidate said constituency was in need of development which he felt could be implemented with him being assemblyman

FMT

KOTA BAHARU: A leader of the Malay right-wing group PERKASA in Kelantan has expressed his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the Chempaka state by-election on March 22.

Sharif Mahmood, 59, vice-president of Kelantan PERKASA, said he had bought a nomination form.

“I decided to offer myself for contest to nourish the democratic system in the country,” he said when contacted by BERNAMA, Thursday.

Sharif said the Chempaka constituency was in need of much development, which he felt could be implemented with an assemblyman who was friendly to the federal government.

Kelantan Election Commission (EC) director Mohamad Mahmud said Thursday four nomination forms had been sold so far.

Nomination for the by-election is on March 10.

The Chempaka seat fell vacant following the death of PAS spiritual leader and former Kelantan menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on Feb 12.

Nik Abdul Aziz had retained the seat in the 13th General Election in 2013 by beating Wan Razman Wan Abd Razak of the Barisan Nasional with a majority of 6,500 votes.

Bidas Nik Aziz: Warga maya cemuh Ibrahim Ali

Perkasa boss under fire over critical Nik Aziz post

At a time when Malaysians are mourning the passing of Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, a post on Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's Facebook page ridiculed the long-serving PAS leader.

Predictably, the post drew an avalanche of criticism.

"My condolences to his family. May Allah bless his soul... His passing is no surprise. He is not healthy and is of old age.

"A lot of people praise him because he is an ulama (cleric) and is known as tok guru (teacher), even though he doesn't help develop Kelantan all that much.

"In fact, Islam has not developed in Kelantan and hudud law is not implemented during his lifetime and 20 year reign," says the posting on Ibrahim's Facebook page.

Too late for retraction

The post, authored last night, attracted more than 2,000 comments, mostly condemnations.

Contacted later, Ibrahim replied by a text message that his Facebook page was not managed by him and the statement had been "dibatal" (cancelled).

It is understood that Ibrahim is currently abroad.

Shortly after being contacted, the post on his Facebook page was removed.

At about 1pm, a new post was uploaded expressing just his condolence to Nik Aziz's family and nothing more.

However, the first few comments from readers stated that they have already screen captured the deleted post for posterity.

FB handler to blame?

Yesterday, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was also caught in a similar Facebook faux pas by posting a purported joint statement with MCA president Liow Tiong Lai.

The joint statement said he had met Liow and the duo decided to issue a joint statement to clear the air over the "boycott Chinese businesses" remark made by Ismail Sabri’s (left).

However, Liow responded immediately to Ismail's posting, saying the statement was issued without his knowledge and that he had not met with Ismail on the matter.

This led a red-faced Ismail to delete the purported joint statement from his Facebook page.

Looks and sounds like me, but not me, says Ibrahim Ali over racist video

Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali disagreed that he had uttered racist remarks against the Indian and Chinese communities after a video showing him making a racist speech was played in court.

“It looks like me, it sounds like me... but the movement of the mouth isn’t consistent with what the image was saying... so it might not be me.

“I disagree that it’s me,” Ibrahim told the Shah Alam High Court today.

He was testifying during cross-examination in his defamation suit against theSun, its former managing editor Chong Cheng Hai and deputy editor, special reports and investigations Terence Fernandez.

Ibrahim is suing the paper and its then senior editors for an article written by Fernandez on the Sultan of Selangor’s refusal to launch Perkasa’s first general assembly.

Ibrahim claims that the article, which was published on March 17, 2010, was the first to label him a racist and chauvinist.

Earlier, Ibrahim told the court that the article had caused him to lose the opportunity to stand as a Barisan Nasional candidate in the 13th general election.

During the cross examination, the defence presented a number of articles in various publications that showed Ibrahim’s strong leanings towards promoting Malay rights and Islam.

One article published by Mingguan mStar dated March 28, 2010 touched on an allegedly defamatory article titled: “Perkasa President Cannot Be Prime Minister”.

In reference to the article, Ibrahim alleged that the writer Nurul Ain Mohd Hussain had got her facts wrong regarding his audience with the Sultan of Selangor, but he did not pursue the mistake as he “did not have enough time”.

“So many reporters call me for interviews... I can’t recall everything. Sometimes during exclusives you speak a lot, you say a lot of things but when it’s published, the reporters will shorten the sentences, they might take it out of context or spin it.

“When the reporter brought up that question, it was like the reporter put words into my mouth. I was answering her question but it ended up looking as if the Sultan brought up the topic (concerning the alleged chauvinism shown by him and Perkasa) and I discussed the issue with the Sultan,” said Ibrahim.

He claimed that many publications and articles featuring him had “got it wrong” and were not entirely accurate. However, he decided to brush aside the other reports due to time constraints and because the errors were “not serious enough”.

He is demanding an apology as well as exemplary and general damages from the defendants.

Ibrahim is represented by Harmy Yusoff, while Datuk Nitin Nadkarni, Himahlini Ramalingam and G.Meerasree are appearing for the defendants.

Hearing continues on Thursday. – The Edge Financial Daily, January 21, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/looks-and-sounds-like-me-but-not-me-says-ibrahim-ali-over-racist-video#sthash.KQOQixGQ.dpuf

I’m not Perkasa’s patron but I support their views, Dr M says

Malay Mail Online

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today denied a news report claiming he has “parted ways” with Perkasa, saying he still supports the controversial Malay rights group’s views although he never had any formal affiliations with it.

In a blog post this afternoon to rebut the news, the former prime minister said there was no basis to the claim that he had distanced himself from Perkasa because he had grown “uneasy with the group’s direction”.

His only link to Perkasa, the influential former Umno president said, is that he “may” have shared some of his ideas with the group in the past, and that some of his thoughts may have coincided with theirs.

“For starters, I am not formally attached to them,” Dr Mahathir wrote. “However, I must admit that I do support their views.

“Especially when it comes to reacting against extremist views of the non-Malays.”

Dr Mahathir, who was Malaysia’s longest serving prime minister, said during his 22-year tenure in office, groups like Perkasa never existed.

Today, he said, Perkasa’s birth was only due to the rise in “extremist views among the non-Malays” who he said have openly questioned Malay rights and privileges.

Earlier today, news portal The Malaysian Insider reported that Dr Mahathir had parted ways with Perkasa, as he was unhappy with how the group caused and handled racial issues, including a call to burn Bibles.

The Malaysian Insider also reported that Dr Mahathir scolded Perkasa last November during their meeting and had claimed to be unwell to explain his absence at Perkasa’s annual general meeting (AGM) when he was in fact unhappy with the group.

But in an immediate response, the group’s secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali labelled the report “mistorted” and false.

“I do not know from where they got the news that Tun M has started to distance (himself) from Perkasa. We feel that that news is not true,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted today.

Later, Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali insisted that the group’s relationship with the former prime minister remains intact and told The Malaysian Insider that there was no more credible a source to confirm its report than the former prime minister himself.

“If it is just a source, who is right? Ask Tun M himself,” Ibrahim told Malay Mail Online via text message.

“And why didn’t they ask me as president? I challenge The Malaysian Insider to ask Tun M if it is true he has parted ways with Perkasa.”

Ibrahim further disputed that Dr Mahathir was unhappy with the former’s call for Muslims to burn Malay- and Iban-language Bibles last year, pointing out that the former prime minister had expressed his support in public.

Last October, Dr Mahathir defended the authorities’ decision not to prosecute Ibrahim’s 2013 call to burn Bibles, saying that the latter’s advice was “acceptable to Muslims” and did not intend to provoke clashes between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Dr Mahathir, who had featured prominently in Perkasa events, said that it was an acceptable practice to burn old copies of Quran, adding that prohibitions against disrespecting the Muslim holy book should be extended to the holy texts of other religions.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/im-not-perkasas-patron-but-i-support-their-views-dr-m-says#sthash.nnrEQnUz.dpuf

The nonsense of the fanatics

There's a breakdown in logic in the outbursts against a Hindu temple in Putrajaya and a gurdwara in Bukit Beruntung.

FMT

In recent years, we have been witness to increasing flexing of the muscles by various NGOs and religious fundamentalists, and no occasion makes them peacock their might faster than when another religion tries to build a place for worshippers to congregate.

In the last few days, there have been outbursts against a Hindu temple in Putrajaya and the attempt by the Sikhs of Bukit Beruntung to build a gurdwara on their property.

The accusations made against the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Putrajaya are specious at best. Putrajaya, being the administrative capital of Malaysia and built on Federal land, can be considered the property of all Malaysians who pay taxes, regardless of creed or class, as a nation’s capital can only be considered so when it belongs to the people. Hence, representation of one of our country’s major religions in the capital should not be an issue here, but not according to Perkasa’s Irwan Fahmi.

Irwan’s premise is that as Putrajaya is a Malay-majority area, the temple gate should face Banting to make it easier for Hindus to reach it. Banting, it seems, has a more sizeable Hindu population than Putrajaya, where only “600 to 700” Hindus reside. He must be given some credit for attempting to frame his argument as a suggestion for the convenience of the worshippers, but the logic fails to impress and bringing up population statistics for Putrajaya only betrays the thinking behind such failed logic.

Indeed, this same kind of thinking can be found in the protest against a gurdwara in Bukit Beruntung. In this case, a banner was put up by those with “sensitivities”, claiming that the site of the gurdwara lies in the kiblat of a mosque, and thus could not be built there. (For the benefit of the uninitiated, the kiblat is the direction in which Muslims face when performing their canonical prayers.) Of course, if the logic of the “sensitive” folk were universally applicable, buildings would have to be razed for miles in Kuala Lumpur alone so that nothing stands in the kiblat of the various mosques in the city.

There is, of course, a reason why the logic in these cases doesn’t quite make sense to a logical mind.

These protests and assertions have nothing to do with religion except for a thin façade. This is nothing more, and nothing less, than an assertion of political and societal superiority to shore up the insecurity and weak-minded thinking of some parties. This thinking is an attack on the guarantees made in the Federal Constitution for the freedom of religion in Article 11, Section 3, which states:

“Every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs; (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with the law.”

That spirit of muhibbah on which this country was founded is being eroded by this need to assert social superiority over other religions. There needs to be a re-affirmation of mutual respect among the different faiths in Malaysia, in the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who once invited Christians from Najran to pray in his mosque before engaging in a dialogue with them. Not only did this gesture of respect show the measure of a great man, but is example of what made the foundations of Islam so strong.

We understand that pluralism is not acceptable to Islam, or rather to some Muslims. But that is no excuse for the blatant disrespect shown to the other faiths by some elements of our society, and a multi-racial, multi-cultural country like Malaysia cannot continue peacefully if our different faiths tread upon each other. We are one people, and we should start acting like it for once.

DAP MP hails Ku Nan as role model for ministers

Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who rarely earns praise from the opposition, has been hailed by a DAP MP as a role model for other cabinet ministers.

This comes after Tengku Adnan slammed right-wing group Perkasa for questioning the construction of the  Sri Lalithambikai Alayam Hindu temple in Putrajaya.

"Tengku Adnan’s whacking of Perkasa is most timely and welcomed and deserves commendation and support from Malaysians.

"It is hoped that more Muslim ministers can come out to rebuke Perkasa so as to send  a strong and clear message that religious bigotry has no place in this multiracial and multireligious nation," said DAP's Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran.

Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi had questioned the need for a Hindu temple in Putrajaya as the overwhelming majority of population there are Muslims.

He had also asked for the temple to face away from Putrajaya, towards Banting, as more Hindus live there.

Tengku Adnan, who is also Putrajaya MP, yesterday said he didn't know why Perkasa was "making noise" and a Hindu temple wouldn't turn the entire Putrajaya population into Hindus.

Kulasegaran (left) said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who has often asked the silent majority to speak up against extremism, should also speak up himself on this matter.

"If Perkasa does not back down from opposing the temple construction, I propose to the federal government and the prime minister to make the temple construction an issue of the battle between the moderates and the extremists," he said.

Kulasegaran also slammed Perkasa's Fahmi for being a "religious bigot".

"His insensitive, irresponsible and ignorant remarks have enraged the Hindu community and strengthened Perkasa’s right wing and extremist image," said Kulasegaran.

Move temple entrance for easy drive: Perkasa

After temple criticism, Malay rights group says it's to avoid a detour through Putrajaya.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay rights group Perkasa, criticised for its remarks on a new Hindu temple in Putrajaya, has said it suggested the entrance be moved for the convenience of Hindu devotees.

It was so “they don’t have to take a detour through Putrajaya”, he said, quoted by the Malaysian Insider.

Irwan Fahmi, head of Perkasa Youth had suggested that the temple entrance face Banting (on the Selangor coast) instead of Putrajaya.

He said there were only 600-700 Hindus in Putrajaya but the temple was big enough for 10,000 people. “It’s already 85% complete, so I’m asking for something realistic, that an entrance from Banting be built,” he said, according to the Insider.

Irwan said Perkasa respected freedom of religion and the sensitivity of other faiths, but it would be more realistic for the temple’s entrance not to be in Putrajaya.

He then reminded Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who had told Perkasa to stop playing up the issue, that Tengku Adnan had won the parliamentary seat due to Malay support.

He questioned if Ku Nan would approve a Chinese temple in Putrajaya. “We do not oppose it, but the location is not suitable,” Irwan said.

Ku Nan slams Perkasa for temple instigation

 

Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today slammed Malay rights group Perkasa for "making noise" and "instigating" by questioning the construction of a Hindu temple in Putrajaya.

"I don't know why they are making noise. Building temples won't turn an entire Putrajaya into Hindus," he told reporters after launching a development project near Seri Kembangan today.

"The facilities we have at the complex can be used by Muslims as well. There's a hall, and there is a library.

"The way we are building this temple is different from other temples," he added.

He also said that around 600 to 700 Hindus live in Putrajaya, a district comprising many former estates with a large ethnic Indian population.

Perkasa Youth previously questioned Putrajaya’s approval for the temple, saying that the temple entrance should be facing Banting rather than Putrajaya.

The right-wing NGO had argued that Putrajaya is populated mostly by Malays.

However, MIC Youth Chief C Sivaraajh recently asked Perkasa to mind its own business and not interfere in the temple issue.

Tengku Adnan claimed that the temple can become a “tourist destination” in the future when it is built.

He also defended the ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) decision to change the name of Jalan Travers in Bangsar to Jalan Rakyat.

“Of course!” he said abruptly when asked if proper consultation was done before the name change.

“Don’t always talk about negative news,” he sniped.

What is it with you now, Perkasa? Why target Hindu temple in Putrajaya?

By Sonia Ramachandran

PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia, catering for the needs of its multiracial and multi-religious society is something that is taken for granted.

We see that by the public holidays anointed for each religious festival and of course, the houses of worship that are constructed for citizens to perform their religious obligations.

But ultra-right wing Malay group Perkasa does not seem “too happy” with a Hindu temple being constructed in Precint 20 Putrajaya.

Perkasa Youth is reportedly curious as to why the Hindu temple has been constructed in a Malay-majority area with its chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris feeling the soon-to-be-completed Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple has a “somewhat inappropriate location”.

Irwan also suggested that the temple’s entrance face Banting where there is a large Hindu population.

Former MIC strategic director Datuk Seri S Vell Paari told Theantdaily that logically, the temple being built there is just testament to the fact that the Barisan Nasional government in power understands the multi-religious nature of this country.

“In the political capital of Malaysia where the majority are Malays, and for the government to approve the building of the temple here just goes to show how much they value the multiracial aspect of this country.

“This temple will be an icon to show that Malaysia is made up of three major races and religions,” he said.

Vell Paari said there would always be one or two idiots among the sane whose statements you just need to shrug off, especially if they are insignificant in the larger scheme of things.

“Perkasa are not the policymakers. Look at them questioning the logic of building a temple there when there are not many Hindus in that vicinity. When they built Putrajaya, were there millions of people there then?

“The government knows that although there may only be about 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya currently, these numbers will grow. When they built the first Siva temple in Perth on 10 acres (4.04ha) of land, there were not many Hindus there either and it was about 20 km from the city but now the city has expanded to this area,” he said.

On Irwan’s suggestion to have the temple’s entrance face Banting, Vell Paari said: “I can tell them to point the direction of Perkasa’s door towards Hospital Permai in Tampoi where all the insane people are.

“When Perkasa talks like this, I don’t react. I’m not astonished, shocked or affected. Honestly, when you look at a group that is led by a man who looks like the twin brother of Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars, what do you expect?

“We Malaysians live together in harmony except for “worms” like them who are not human beings, let alone Malaysians. How can I comment on a statement by someone from the slug family? I can only comment on statements by human beings. After all, what do you expect to come out from the mouths of slugs except slime.”

According to Wikipedia, Jabba the Hutt is a character appearing in George Lucas's space opera film saga Star Wars and is depicted as a large, slug-like alien whose appearance has been described by film critic Roger Ebert as a cross between a toad and the Cheshire Cat.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Irwan had reportedly said: “There are not many Hindus in Putrajaya and if the entrance faces Banting, this would make it easier for them to reach the temple.

“Although I am not sure of the exact figure, I know the majority of those living in Putrajaya are Malays.”

Irwan did, however, stress that it was the temple’s location they were questioning, not the freedom of religion.

“We will not hold demonstrations over the matter as we respect the other religions,” he said, adding that he would be meeting with the local authority, Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation), to obtain a more detailed explanation on the matter as well as Putrajaya Perkasa Youth.

There are approximately 1,500 Hindus living in Putrajaya mostly comprising civil servants.

In January 2013, former MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu, who also happens to be Vell Paari’s father, announced the construction of the temple – dubbed the “most unique temple in the country” – at a cost of RM12 million.

Just because the Hindus are a minority in Putrajaya, does Irwan expect them not to have a proper place of worship?

Does he expect them to travel long distances out of Putrajaya to pray?

What about the Hindus in Cyberjaya as well?

Another thing that is baffling is that the temple is “soon-to-be-completed”.

Wouldn’t Irwan have seen the construction going on from 2013? Didn’t he realise the location then?

And the construction of the temple had been publicised in the press.

Why is he questioning it when it is almost done? Does he expect it to be torn down or relocated?

Or is this just a ploy for publicity on a day when he just can’t seem to find any issue to make some inflammatory or incendiary remark and gain some cheap publicity?

After all, without such remarks, Irwan will just be another “Tom, Dick or Harry” on the road with absolutely no claim to fame.

- See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/What-is-it-with-you-now-Perkasa-Why-target-Hindu-temple-in-Putrajaya

Temple is none of your business, Perkasa Youth told

Perkasa Youth insists the entrance of a temple in “Malay-majority” Putrajaya face Banting instead where a large Hindu population lives.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC Youth said today Perkasa Youth had no business to question the building of a Hindu temple in Putrajaya that has been approved by the government.

MIC Youth chief C Sivarraajh said it was none of Perkasa Youth’s business where the entrance of the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple was facing.

Perkasa Youth Irwan Fahmi Ideris had said it was curious why a Hindu temple had been constructed in a Malay-majority area and suggested its entrance should face Banting, where a large Hindu population lived.

“Putrajaya belongs to all Malaysians because it is the administrative capital of Malaysia and to say it is Malay-majority is nonsensical.

“Kota Baru is Malay-majority but one cannot use the same term for Putrajaya,” said Sivarraajh.

He said Fahmi’s mischievous statement was designed to ridicule Hindus and Hindu temples.

“It is immaterial where the entrance faces and it is not for the Perkasa leader to preach to Hindus,” he said.

Irwan had said that there were not many Hindus in Putrajaya and if the entrance faced Banting, it would make it easier for them to reach the temple.

“I have not read such (a) nonsensical statement about religion. Let me remind him that religion is a serious matter and should not be ridiculed in these terms,” said Sivaraajh.

The temple was announced by former MIC president S Samy Vellu in January 2013. The construction of the temple, dubbed the “most unique temple in the country” cost an estimated RM12 million.

It mixes both northern and southern Indian elements, and is expected to accommodate close to 10,000 devotees during festivities.

Perkasa wants Hindu temple to face Banting

Perkasa Youth is curious as to why a Hindu temple has been constructed at a Malay-majority area, and suggests that perhaps the entrance should face Banting where there is a large Hindu population.

Its chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris said the soon-to-be-completed Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Precint 20, Putrajaya has a “somewhat inappropriate location”.

“There are not many Hindus in Putrajaya and if the entrance faces Banting, this would make it easier for them to reach the temple,” Irwan told Malaysiakini.

“Although I am not sure of the exact figure, I know the majority of those living in Putrajaya are Malays,” he said.

Irwan (right), nevertheless, stressed that they were not questioning the freedom of religion, rather, merely questioning the temple’s location.

“We will not hold demonstrations over the matter as we respect the other religions,” he said.

He added that he will be meeting with the local authority, Perbadanan Putrajaya (Putrajaya Corporation), to obtain a more detailed explanation on the matter.

However, it is noted that a date has not been set for the meeting.

“We will also meet the Putrajaya Perkasa Youth to get more information on the matter since it is their area,” he said.

Former MIC president S Samy Vellu had announced, in January 2013, the construction of the temple - dubbed the “most unique temple in the country” - at a cost of RM12 million.

The temple mixes both Northern and Southern Indian elements, and is expected to accommodate close to 10,000 people during festivities.

Putrajaya Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Devotees' Association president R Kanagaraja had said that the 17,000 sq ft structure will be built on a one-acre plot, to be completed in mid-2015.

There are about 1,500 Hindus, most of them civil servants, living in Putrajaya.

 

Perkasa: G25 the real racists and extremists

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali has denied claims made by the group of ‘eminent Malays’ (G25), who said that the NGO comprises extreme and religious fanatics.

He instead shot back at the group, denouncing them as the "real" extremists and racists who were hiding behind the label of ‘moderation’.

“The group of ‘eminent persons’, as well as the liberals and moderates, are the real extremists and racists.

“They are shrouding behind such a stand to hide their extremist and racist agenda from being revealed and ridiculed by the majority of Malaysians,” Ibrahim Ali said in a lengthy statement today.

He added that the attack on Perkasa was to divert the attention of the public from the main purpose of the NGO, which is to “defend the sanctity of Islam, uphold the federal constitution, the sovereignty of the Malay rulers and the socio-economical welfare of the indigenous (bumiputera) people”.

“The attack on Perkasa was also done as a reverse psychology strategy, to wage a psychological war by implying Perkasa as extremist and racist.

“They (the G25) are ignorant about the goals of Perkasa, which is to defend the rights of the indigenous people and the federal constitution,” Ibrahim Ali stressed.

The G25 became prominent when it wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak last month, urging for the voice of moderation and asking him to show leadership in the wake of intolerant voices from right-wing groups such as Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) and Perkasa.

MCA hits out at Ibrahim Ali for justifying Paris attack

Ti Lian Ker says police should haul up Ibrahim Ali for promoting violence and the slaughter of innocents.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman Ti Lian Ker lashed out at Perkasa Chief Ibrahim Ali for offering a justification of the brutal terrorist killings in Paris last Wednesday, saying police should haul him up for promoting violence and lawlessness in the country.

In a statement, Ti said, “There is no justification whatsoever in taking innocent lives on the slightest provocation as in this case.

“The police should haul up Ibrahim Ali for questioning as he seems to be promoting violence and the slaughter of innocents.”

Saying Ibrahim should instead have emulated the prime minister in condemning the “massacre”, Ti reminded him that Malaysian Christians chose not to embark on a “shooting rampage” despite being provoked by him in the past when he threatened to burn Bahasa Malaysia bibles.

Ti also said that Charlie Hebdo cartoonists did not only target Muslims but “lampooned the Pope as well as government authorities”.

He explained, “The majority of the estimated 4.7 million Muslims in France … the largest Muslim population in Europe would have been offended by the caricatures but they certainly did not go on a shooting rampage nor take hostages.”

Describing Ibrahim’s past “bigoted rantings” as a “xenophobic pursuit of publicity”, Ti added, “Ibrahim Ali should explain how the customers and employees, including women and children as well as Muslims at the kosher grocery store had provoked the assailants to be subsequently taken hostage”.

Ti was referring to the civilians who were taken hostage soon after the massacre at the Charlie Hebdo office which he described as “wanton terrorism committed by terrorists who do not represent Islam at all”.

Drawing a comparison between Ibrahim and the people of France, Ti said, “French and other European Muslims also joined fellow French citizens in the night vigils while Muslims worldwide condemned the attacks,” the exact opposite of Ibrahim who instead offered an excuse for the terrorists’ brand of “vigilantism and lawlessness”.

'This is what happens when you insult the Prophet'

According to Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali, the Charlie Hebdo attack in France was the result when people insult Prophet Muhammad, and thus hurt the feelings of Muslims.

"When the French government did not do anything (on the publication of caricatures against the Prophet), those insulted took the law into their own hands.

"Although we condemn the attack, this is what happens when you insult or get involved in others' religious affairs," he said in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

France was on high alert this week after 12 people were killed at the Paris offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, a weekly known for lampooning religion and politics.

Two brothers wanted for the bloody attack were killed yesterday when anti-terrorist police stormed their hideout.

Meanwhile, echoing Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar on the need for the Sedition Act, Ibrahim said the attack had proven the relevance of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Sedition Act in Malaysia.

"If there is no Sedition Act then such things will happen in Malaysia. The police need an effective instrument to handle security issues," he said.

'Not targeted because of fake names'

Ibrahim said there were many insults made against Prophet Muhammad on social media and because such people use fake names online, they have not been targeted.

"Imagine if we know who is behind those accounts. And without the Sedition Act, it would not be impossible for such attacks to happen.

"That's why I agree with (Defence Minister) Hishammuddin Hussein," he said.

Hishammuddin yesterday had said that the attack could also happen in the country.

Ibrahim himself came under investigation for sedition when he allegedly called for the burning of Malay bibles, but attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail did not charge him of the crime because the remark "does not fall within the definition of seditious tendency".

According to the attorney-general, Ibrahim had no intention to create religious disharmony and was "defending the sanctity of Islam" when he called for the burning of the bibles.

Meanwhile, on a separate matter, commenting on French researcher Sophie Lemiere who had said that Ibrahim was a "communication genius", the former politician said it was proof that he is "important".

"I'm a nobody. I'm not a minister, not an MP, but I became the focus because I'm the punching bag.

"Even when Gerakan or MCA loses in elections, people say it's Perkasa's fault," said Ibrahim, adding that he is simply misunderstood and a victim of media spin.

Perkasa man: Umno Youth leader punched me

 

Perak Perkasa Youth leader Saad Abdul Rahman received three stitches after being allegedly punched in the face by an Umno Youth leader.

Saad claimed that Lenggong Umno Youth chief Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli had suddenly grabbed his throat and punched him.

Iruan had earlier told him not to interfere in Umno Youth matters.

Saad (right) said the incident occurred at the Dewan Kampung Kelantan in Lenggong yesterday.

In his police report, he said a group of 10 men led by Iruan confronted him.

“In an angry tone Iruan told me to ‘butt out’ of Umno Youth affairs.

“I denied this (claim) but he suddenly grabbed my throat and punched my face.

“His friends then shoved me against the wall,” read the report sighted by Malaysiakini.

Confirming the incident, Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris expressed regret that the brawl could happen purportedly over flood aid distribution.

“We are still investigating the cause for this but we deeply regret that such things could happen.

“This is the type of leaders in Umno Youth today, who have no manners or brains,” he said.

He said Malaysia has laws and disputes should not be solved with violence.

Meanwhile, Iruan told Malaysiakini that Saad was pretending and “acting” as if he was badly hurt.

He also dismissed that the Perkasa man sustained “serious injuries”.

“Don’t be an actor. Don’t take advantage and don’t slander,” he said.

Ibrahim Ali 'places' thesis in the toilet

 

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali today said he would reject French researcher Sophie Lemiere’s thesis if he was her PhD examiner.

Ibrahim said this was because her thesis is “biased” and “not truthful”, and as such, “deserves a place in the toilet”.

This is despite him initially saying that he was “not offended at all” over Lemiere’s comment that Perkasa does not deserve the media space it is getting.

Lemiere at a Kuala Lumpur forum on Tuesday had also said that Ibrahim is a “communication genius”.

On this he said: “It is in fact a recognition for me, even though it came from somebody ‘not known and (has) no class’.”

“Her name Lemiere… to me she is a cat. Why didn’t she invite me to the forum?”

He also wished Lemiere (right) ‘a good time in Malaysia and if she wants to date me, anytime, my pleasure”.

Meanwhile, Perkasa secretary general Syed Hassan Syed Ali said the group has the right to occupy space in the media especially if the media is independent.

"You talk about democracy but at the same time deny the rights of others to media coverage, what happened to fundamental rights?" he lashed out in a statement.

Syed Hassan said it would be better for Lemiere to write about the ban on Muslim women wearing headscarves in her native France than to be a "busybody in someone else’s country".

In his tirade against Lemiere, Syed Hassan (left) said that the researcher has ulterior motives in coming to the country.

"As an outsider, you shouldn’t play with fire. You only mix around with non-Malays and as such only hear unfair views on Malay NGOs like Perkasa, Isma and Pekida.

"It could be that you are a Jewish tool to destroy Muslim and Malay political clout," he said.

He said those "using" Lemiere may be doing so because Perkasa, Isma and Pekida are obstacles to gain political support from Muslims and Malays.

He said if Lemiere’s findings that Malay NGOs are engaged in gangsterism are indeed true, then she would have long been "picked up" by Pekida.

"You should be given the boot and banned from ever entering the country again," said Syed Hassan.

Ibrahim Ali: No logging for 25 years to end flooding

Perkasa leader says move will lead to soil stability and let land recover.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay right-wing group Perkasa has proposed a 25-year freeze on logging in flood-prone states as a measure to avert the repeat of massive floods.

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said that so long as logging licences were issued, there would be destruction of forests; so long as there was legalised logging, there would be illegal logging.

“We only blame logging and destruction of forests as the cause of floods but never ask who issues the logging licences,” he told reporters after launching a Perkasa goodwill event with the Orang Asli in Bukit Lagong here.

Several academicians have said that the recent widespread flooding in several states recently could be linked to logging and destruction of forests.

“We can freeze logging for 25 years at least to allow for soil stability. Licences can be given only to those involved in the (downstream) industry, for example the furniture industry. I do not think that Malaysia will lose in terms of revenue without the timber cess,” he said.

He added that Perkasa members had helped to collect and distribute aid to flood victims, and was also accepting contributions in the form of building materials such as zinc sheets, cement and planks for repairs to flood-damaged houses.

- BERNAMA

Let’s band together against the extremists in 2015

Another new year has arrived and we are now in 2015. I have never declared or committed myself to any new year resolution because I think it's all crap. You change when you want to change.

But this time, I'm going to commit to a resolution. It is simple. I will continue to use every platform that I have to promote moderation, open-mindedness, multiculturalism and religious pluralism.

I have done it for years and will continue doing it with even stronger force this year because 2014, to me, was the year of overbearing racial and religious extremism.

Groups like Isma and Perkasa, and individuals like Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, have been so loud throughout last year that my ears are still aching and ringing into the new year. They definitely do not speak for me.

And I'm very sure that this feeling is shared by so many of my fellow sane, rational and logical Malaysians out there. We should all band together and do something about these annoying extremists.

Since we all believe that these people who go on and on about preserving a specific racial and religious supremacy are the loud minority, then why are we allowing them to be so loud?

If they are such a small group (Perkasa is reported to only have 900 odd official members), why are we allowing them to shout so loud without any repurcussions?

If we are the silent majority, then we need not be too worried about showing our strength in numbers and not be silent anymore. What can they do to a whole huge bunch of us, right?

There are among us those who have already stood up to voice their concerns. There are the Prominent 25, former ministers and politicians like Tun Musa Hitam, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, etc, who have taken the lead.

And if we feel strongly about what the extremists are spreading, we need to also do our share and create a counter movement that will spread across the country.

I say it is enough what these loudmouths are trying to propagate. Malaysia is for Malaysians and it doesn't matter what race or religion you are. We all have the right to live together with respect, understanding and harmony.

The days of Isma, Perkasa, Ridhuan Tee and their likes are numbered. Let 2014 be the last year of them having free reign saying whatever they please. We need to silence them and take Malaysia back starting this 2015.

Happy New Year Malaysia! – January 2, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/zan-azlee/article/lets-band-together-against-the-extremists-in-2015#sthash.FIIcNHsu.dpuf

Perkasa mulls suit against G25 for ‘baseless allegations’

Upset at being criticised, right-wing group Perkasa is planning to sue the 25 prominent Malays who signed an open letter appealing for rational discourse on Islam, or at the very least, the group's vocal spokesperson, former diplomat Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin.

The 25, who are retired civil servants and influential leaders, had called for an end to extremist views that spread racial and religious discord, and some members, in individual comments to the media, had also singled out groups like Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) for politicising Islam.

Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali told The Malaysian Insider that they were making preparations to sue Noor Farida for her baseless allegations against the group.

"We are not going to be lenient anymore. We will take action against any party who makes baseless allegations against Perkasa."

Noor Farida, in an interview with The Malaysian Insider, had said the erosion of Malay rights that Perkasa and Isma claimed was "all in their imagination".

She also explained her fear that Malaysia could one day end up like "another Pakistan and Afghanistan" where religious extremism had scared the moderates and professionals into leaving the country.

Some of the other signatories, like retired Court of Appeal judge Datuk Seri Shaikh Daud Md Ismail, had also expressed concerns that Putrajaya was not doing enough to check extremists rhetoric in the country.

The open letter had asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to address religious and racial tension and exercise leadership in guiding Malaysia back to moderation.

Syed Hassan said Perkasa would never acknowledge the letter's signatories, now dubbed as the Group of 25 (G25), as they did not represent the Malay community.

"Perkasa will not acknowledge this Group of 25 as a representative of the Malays.

"It is up to the G25 to also say that Perkasa does not represent the Malays, but at least we have more than 500,000 Malays as our members," he said.

Perkasa's possible legal action against Noor Farida or all 25 signatories comes after the Malay-rights pressure group's president, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, filed a defamation suit against English language daily Star Publications Bhd and its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Ibrahim is suing Wong over an opinion piece on the Perkasa chief's call for Malays to burn Bibles with the word "Allah".

Ibrahim had also called the G25 members "cowards" for criticising Malay-rights groups like Perkasa and Isma.

"They are only attacking the Malays. Why are they not saying anything on the non-Malay groups and the others who have criticised Islam and the Malay rulers?" Ibrahim had said at Perkasa's annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur on December 14.

He also decried the letter and the views of the G25 as "Malay liberals" who were a threat to Islam.

“In 2015, we will be haunted by issues involving Islam’s defence. Malay liberals have now replaced those who want to destroy Islam,” Ibrahim said, adding that what they saw as "extremism" was actually "Islam's rules" and "God's law".

Amid worsening race and religious relations in Malaysia, the G25 had published an open letter on December 8 asking for a rational dialogue on the position of Islam and Islamic law in a constitutional democracy.

"Given the impact of such vitriolic rhetoric on race relations and the political stability of this country, we feel it is incumbent on us to take a public position," said Noor Farida, a former Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands, in a statement issued on behalf of the 25 signatories.

The letter decried the "lack of clarity and understanding" on the place of Islam within Malaysia's constitutional democracy, as well as a "serious breakdown of federal-state division of powers, both in the areas of civil and criminal jurisdictions".

It also expressed concern at how religious authorities were "asserting authority beyond their jurisdiction" and that fatwa issued had violated the Federal Constitution as well as the consultative process.

Among the proposals it recommended was the need to promote awareness about the diversity of views and interpretations in Islam.

Public support for the letter's contents and for the 25 signatories has been strong, with many writing to media organisations expressing their thanks and solidarity with the signatories, while an online petition called #iam26 drew thousands of signatures. – December 31, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/perkasa-mulls-suit-against-g25-for-baseless-allegations#sthash.jNXDHDq7.dpuf