Chinese-language newspapers today trained their guns at Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), calling it an “extreme rightist group like Perkasa, based on racism and narrow-minded religious views” after its president declared all Chinese migrants brought to Malaya to be “trespassers”.The police investigation against Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman (pic) for his allegedly seditious remarks was featured on the front pages of Oriental Daily and Sin Chew Daily, following Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s confirmation that Abdullah would be probed under the Sedition Act.
An editorial published in Sin Chew Daily entitled "Citizens of equal status, not trespassers" described Isma as an "extreme rightist group like Perkasa".
“Abdullah Zaik takes the Chinese as ‘trespassers’ instead of citizens of equal status and he has also been trying to deny the contribution of the Chinese in the formation of the country,” the editorial said.
“He claimed that the Chinese obtained citizenship and wealth through oppression and bullying others.
“Such a distorted argument is not only slander to the Chinese, but also a provocation against the national idea… calling the Chinese ‘trespassers’ not only hurt the feelings and dignity of Malaysian Chinese, but also misled the perception of some Malays,” Sin Chew said.
It said the “trespassers” remark was even more “lethal” than “immigrant” labels thrown at the Chinese community in the past, as it showed a stronger intention to stir up racial sentiments.
The daily lauded police action taken against Abdullah, but warned that if such remarks were allowed to ferment, it would destroy national harmony and trust.
“The people are waiting to see whether he will be charged after the investigation is completed. If he is only investigated but not charged, it will not have a deterrent effect.
“No legal action has been taken against those involved in similar cases in the past and thus, various sensational and extreme remarks have been made, challenging the rule of law, harming social harmony and unity, and victimising the country and the people,” said Sin Chew.
It also called on leaders from both sides of the political divide to publicly oppose Isma, as it would convey a message to society that Malaysia must remain united and harmonious to maintain stability and promote progress.
Yesterday, MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong slammed Isma for its remark, saying it was dangerous to society and could elicit a negative reaction from the Chinese community.
“It’s bad, it’s unacceptable, and the authorities should investigate Isma. In fact, this investigation is overdue and the police would know best which law to investigate them under,” the Ayer Keroh MP told The Malaysian Insider.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also condemned Isma’s “dangerous lies” which he said preached religious and racial extremism.
The party’s national organising secretary Anthony Loke said yesterday that DAP members would lodge police reports nationwide against Isma and its president.
On Tuesday, Abdullah had asked on Isma's website: "Who gave them (the Chinese) citizenship and wealth until the results of their trespassing are protected until this day?
"This was all the doing of the British, who were in cohorts with the Chinese to oppress and bully the Malays."
Abdullah also said this was a mistake which had to be corrected but he did not say how.
"Nobody has the right to mortgage the sovereignty of Islam and the Malays on this land,” he said in a statement posted on the website. – May 8, 2014.
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