Tsu Koon slams Ezam’s ‘jihad’ threats

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 – Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon slammed today his Barisan Nasional (BN) colleague Umno Senator Ezam Mohd Nor’s threat to wage war against those who try to proselytise Muslims.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in National Unity and Performance Management said in a statement that Ezam’s threats had sent out the wrong message and could damage the coalition’s reputation.

“Senator Ezam Nor’s open threat to burn two online news portals (Malaysia Kini and Malaysian Insider) is uncalled for, unwarranted and unacceptable, further fanning emotions in the controversy arising out of JAIS’ (Selangor Islamic Affairs Department) action against DUMC (Damansara Utama Methodist Church),” Koh (picture) said.

The Gerakan party president said Ezam has his right to express his views about defending Islam and his concern about alleged proselytisation of Muslims which is now being investigated.

“If he thinks that reports in the online news portals were not correct and proper, he should present cogent arguments against them, present relevant facts and solid evidence, or even take legal action.

“Unfortunately, instead of using his intellect and influence to argue and counter whatever he did not agree with, he allowed himself to be overtaken by emotions and sentiments which have evoked negative reaction of others,” Koh said.

Ezam vowed yesterday to wage war against those who try to proselytise Muslims, in a highly-charged assembly where he also defended the state Islamic religious authorities’ raid on a dinner at a church last week.

The former PKR leader and a group of demonstrators rallied after Friday prayers here in support of the Jais over its raid at the DUMC in Petaling Jaya on August 3. Among those present was Kulim MP Zulkifli Noordin.

“Those who are rude to Islam, Allah, Quran, we have no choice but to wage a war to defend our religion,” Ezam told the crowd under the newly-organised Gerakan Cegah Murtad group.

Ezam also warned the media of what he described as false reporting against Islam, citing Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider.

“If you don’t stop all this rubbish, we will go and burn you down,” he threatened the online news portals.
Ezam said the issue was not with religion itself.

“We have problems with those who insult our religion and try to proselytise Muslims, We have problems with Muslims themselves, who insult our religion and support the proselytising of Muslims,” he said.

By issuing such threats of violence, Koh said Ezam has gone “overboard”, and damaged, not only his own image as a senator but also that of the organisations he represents.

“Malaysians have been known for our commitment to and practice of moderation, inclusiveness, social cohesion and harmony.  1Malaysia as promoted by our prime minister is meant to further enhance this commitment and to promote understanding and unity.

“In the spirit of 1Malaysia, leaders must talk and act with a strong sense of responsibility and restraint and help to resolve any inter-ethnic and inter-religious misunderstanding, controversy or conflict, but not to add more fuel to the fire,” Koh said.