The former Perkasa leader says that God had paved way for hudud to be implemented in Kelantan by taking away its chief critic, Karpal Singh.
UPDATED

PETALING JAYA: While the nation mourns, a former Perkasa leader rejoiced and said that DAP veteran Karpal Singh’s death will allow hudud law to be implemented in Kelantan.

In a series of posting on Twitter, former Perkasa vice-president Zulkilfli Noordin said while the Kelantan government was struggling to implement hudud in the state with Umno’ help, God had taken away Karpal, who is Islamic law’s main critic.

“Hopefully, the move to implement hudud in Kelantan is successful. God willing, with Umno-PAS unity and Karpal’s demise, I believe the things are made easier now.” said the former PKR MP.

However, Zulkifli’s tweets received public backlash, including from Youth and Sport Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“@zulkiflinoordin Shut up. Really, shut up,” said Khairy.

Kuala Lumpur Bar chairman HR Dipendra described Zulkifli as coward for criticising a man who had just died.

“Zul Noordin shows his true nature: He is a coward and only cowards attack a dead man,” said Dipendra.

Human rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan said it was time for people to name and shame such people for their rude remarks.

“More so when they are politicians. We must remember what they said, and hold it against them when they seek office again,” said Syahredzan, via Twitter.

Karpal, 74, was killed early this morning in a car crash at 301.6km on North-South Highway near Kampar while on his way to Penang.

Also killed in the accident was his aide, Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu, 39.

Karpal’s driver is said to be critically injured, while his son, Ramkarpal, escaped with light injuries.

Karpal is known to be a fierce critic of hudud law being implemented in Malaysia, arguing that nation’s constitution is based on secular laws.

He once famously said that hudud would only be implemented “over my dead body”.

Meanwhile, PAS central committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad said Zulkifli’ statement is doing “a great disservice” to Islam.

“It shocked us knowing that Zulkifli has come out with an insensitive remark, it is such as a great disservice to Islam.

“We PAS may have a lot of difference with Karpal, but we stand to give him respect, he is a towering figure in the nation he has served,” said the PAS central committee member.

Dzulkefly also criticised the Perak police chief Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani for picking on traffic offences recorded by Karpal’s vehicle right after his passing.

“They should be a bit more sensitive, and be gracious and benevolent to the passing man, because we all know sometimes MPs are caught in a mad rush to serve their constituencies, and unlike the minister, we don’t have an escort team,” he said.

Perak state assembly speaker and former MIC vice-president SK Devamany also denounced Zulkifli over his disparaging remark.

“The remark is uncalled for and an uncivilised one to be made against a great statesman. It goes beyond the spirit of nationalism and Islam,” he said.

In later postings, Zulkifli heaped laurels on Karpal, saying he was one of the few who dared to take up cases against the government.

He also said that Karpal was generous in giving legal advise to junior lawyers and commended the veteran lawyer for taking up a lot of cases on a pro bono basis.

“His office serves almost like a welfare office to help the poor. To Karpal,your roar for the poor & your voice against injustice, either in Parliament or in court will be missed by many. Goodbye my friend!

“To my friend Gobind Singh Deo & family,do accept my deepest condolence.I am sure Karpal’s name will be tinted in gold in the history of Malaysia!”

Indian 'Judas' unfazed over kissing Zul

The man who has earned the ire of the Indian community by kissing Zulkifli Noordin on the cheek during nomination day, is unperturbed at being labeled 'Judas' for supporting the controversial Perkasa vice-president.

The Malay Mail caught up with N Devendren (left), who claims to be an MIC member, and has since nomination day earned widespread scorn over social media for his action.

"Life goes on, people especially the Indian community will have their say but in the end I have the right to support whom I choose to as it is my right," said the 32-year-old bachelor businessperson.

Devendren denied claims he took money in exchange for a show of support for Zulkifili, who is standing under the "Friend of BN" ticket, against PAS incumbent Khalid Samad.

"I did not do it for money," he said when met at the BN campaign centre in Section 23 here.

Devendren said he was initially angry with BN for selecting Zulkifli, who disparaged Hindus and referred to Indians with a derogatory term.

Two videos of his actions have since gone viral on the Internet.

"When they announced his candidacy at the Section 9 Umno building, I led 100 of my supporters to the event to protest against the decision. I was so incensed that I would have hit him," he said.

But when Zulkifli (right) came out to meet them, he immediately apologised for his statements.

"He (Zulkifli) clasped his hands and begged forgiveness... It was touching and sincere. I am only human so I accepted it. If Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be forgiven and accepted by the people, why can't Zulkifli be treated the same way?" he asked.

While he admits the peck on Zulkifli's cheek might be perceived as "an extraordinary act of affection", he does not regret it.

When asked whether he was shunned by the Indian community over the matter, Devendren said many people have questioned him but he has been patient in his response towards them.

Claiming to be an MIC party member for over a year, Devendren, who is from Section 7, is unfazed by the critical comments by thousands of netizens angered by the now infamous picture taken by the Malay Mail.

"Today they will remember me as such since it is campaigning period but 15 days after the results, I would be forgotten altogether," he said with a sly smile.

- The Malay Mail

Don’t vote for Zul Noordin, says MIC veep

M Saravanan says he will never forgive Zulkifli Noordin for degrading and passing racial remarks against the Indian community.
VIDEO INSIDE

PETALING JAYA: Vowing not to forgive the Barisan Nasional candidate for Shah Alam, MIC vice- president M Saravanan has advised Indians not to vote for the Perkasa leader.

“I will never forgive him (Zulkifli). I will continue to tell Indians not to vote for him, he doesn’t deserve their votes.

“If I were to say something disrespectful towards Muslims or their beliefs and then apologise, do you think they will accept it?” he asked.

“It is the same, we are Malaysians and the thought of disrespecting other religion should never even cross our mind.

“I respect the Prime Minister’s (Najib Tun Razak) choice. But his candidacy degrades BN on the whole, he is a disgrace to the party,” said Saravanan, who is contesting the Tapah parliamentary seat.

In an old video clipping which surfaced recently, Zulkifli had questioned the Hindu concept of God and mocked the Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

“I have been to Sungai Ganga before. How can you say it’s pure? There are chicken carcasses and small sticks floating,” Zulkifli had said in the video clip.

He has since apologised for his remarks.

PKR candidate confident in Tapah

Saravanan is defending the parliamentary seat against PKR’s K Vasanthakumar, who is contesting the polls for the first time.

Vasanthakumar carved a name for himself with Hindraf and was one of the five detained under the now defunct ISA after the 2007 Hindraf rally in Kuala Lumpur.

Tapah consists 38,000 registered voters with 46.47% Malays, 27.86% Chinese, 13.31% Indians and 12.36% others, including Orang Asli.

Speaking to FMT, Vasanthakumar was confident of beating the incumbent, saying that he was more capable in providing service to the voters of Tapah.

“I have done my research and I know what the people here need and want, I think I know more than anyone else,” he declared, when met in Tapah.

“Poverty is one of the main issues here. About 30% of the people here suffer from poverty. We promise to uphold our minimum wage pledge as stated in our manifesto,” he added.

He also claimed that the Orang Asli communities in the constituency have also shown confidence in him.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call Saravanan for a debate by April 27. Show me what you have done for the people here. Show me if you are a worthy enough to stay a second term.

“I would in turn reply with my grounds on how I would be able to perform better than you and serve the people of Tapah better,” he added.

‘Debate with the cows’

However Saravanan, who is also Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing deputy minister, brushed aside the invitation to debate with Vasanthakumar.

He slammed Vasanthakumar’s debate call, claiming that it was Pakatan’s “standard operating procedure” to call for a debate everytime they are on the losing end.

“They want to debate for every single thing, that doesn’t make sense. Why do I need to debate with him? The people know what I have done for them.

“I have published booklets on my work here for the last five years, you already have my side of the story. You can go ahead and debate with my book.

“If he wants, he can debate with the cows here. Even they know how much I’ve done for the people, don’t waste my time,” he added in jest.

Saravanan claimed that he has strong local support from all races and is confident of retaining the seat.

“The people here like me…I have performed not only for Indians but also for the Malays, Chinese and the Orang Asli. I know they want me to stay and continue to provide my service to them,” he said.

Zulkifli Noordin is remorseful, says Soi Lek

SELANGOR BN's decision to field controversial Perkasa vice-chairperson Zulkifli Noordin for the Shah Alam parliamentary seat has been widely criticised but MCA president Chua Soi Lek backs the coalition's choice.

"It's nothing. Zulkifli was (Pakatan Rakyat supremo) Anwar's good friend and used to be Anwar's lawyer.

"He had contested under PAS. He and PAS are very good friends, thus he internalised PAS values and culture.

"But now he is remorseful and repentant (insaf dan bertaubat)," Chua (left) told a press conference while campaigning for Pandan MCA candidate lawyer Gary Lim this afternoon.

On Monday, BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak attempted to douse the anger over Zulkifli Noordin's disparaging remarks about Hindus, claiming that Indians have now warmed up to him.

"There are Indians who have even kissed him already," Najib said.

Zulkifli has apologised for the remarks which he said were made 10 years ago.
Correction made to ads
Meanwhile, Chua said that the correction of the MCA’s Chinese language advertisement of “Vote wisely: 1 vote for DAP, 1 vote for PAS” to “Wrong choice: 1 vote for DAP, 1 vote for PAS” on Monday was not due netizens making fun of it.
                 
In Chinese language, “vote wisely” could be read as “wise vote”.

“We are not doing this for the netizens’ pleasure. The purpose of the advertisement is to disseminate what MCA and BN have done,” he added.

Chua then turned his gun on DAP, criticising the opposition party for promoting “hate politics” by painting BN and MCA supporters as “traitors” to the Chinese race.

Despite Zul factor, MIC division backs BN

The Shah Alam MIC division will work on the ground for BN, not because of Zulkifli Noordin but for Najib Tun Razak.

PETALING JAYA: Shah Alam MIC division chairman K Suppaiah today pledged to support Barisan Nasional despite Indians being upset over the choice of candidate for the parliament seat, Zukifli Noordin.

“We are working on the ground not for Zulkifli but for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s leadership,” he told FMT.

Suppaiah said that although MIC and other BN-friendly Indian-based parties supported Najib’s administration, the decision to support Zulkifli is still in the hands of the Indian community.

“From the beginning, we (Shah Alam MIC division) tried to avoid Zulkifli from contesting in our constituency. We even sent a letter to the PM’s Office as well as to the MIC national body.

“However, the PM already made his decision and MIC’s top leadership instructed us to support the PM’s choice of candidate,” he added.

He also pointed out that PM personally promised him to build a hall for the Indian community in Shah Alam and to allocate RM1 million for a local temple.

“Thus, we are not concerned about Zulkifli as we have direct access to the Prime Minister’s Office,” he added.

The division chairman also said that he was not surprised that his division vice-chairman had quit from MIC as a sign of protest against Zulkifli’s candidacy.

“It is his own decision which does not reflect the division’s stand,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (MIPAS) was disappointed with Najib ‘s decision to defend Zulkifli’s candidacy.

Najib had asked the Indian community to forgive the Perkasa leader for insulting the Hindu religion.

MIPAS leader S Barathidasan said a mere apology from Zulkifli would not suffice.

“We want police to investigate Perkasa for causing disharmony, feelings of hostility and hatred among religions,” he added.

Zulkifli, who won the Kulim Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat as a PKR candidate in 2008, became a BN-friendly independent in 2010 after he was sacked from the party for criticising Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

This time around, Zulkifli would stand as a BN direct candidate against incumbent Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad of PAS, with whom he had a much publicised feud over the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.

Shah Alam is an urban parliament constituency comprise with 100,076 voters where 69.9% are Malays following Chinese and Indians are 14.9% and 14.2% respectively.

Zul’s shallow apology — Kunjuraman Karuppan

APRIL 22 — Does Datuk Zulkifli Noordin think his shallow apology to the Indians helps his cause in Shah Alam?

Does the Perkasa vice-president standing on a Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket think he can blame the Pakatan Rakyat for his congenital racism?

How does he imagine all this will help him go against Khalid Samad in Shah Alam and win “101 per cent” in the May 5 general election?

Khalid was the one MP who stood side by side with the Indian community after the cow-head protest in Shah Alam even when it was not the politically smart thing to do.

What did Umno do? They got the cow-head protesters to pose for pictures with their vice-president after explaining the protest against a Hindu temple in Shah Alam.

So, who’s the one hell-bent on demolishing or preventing Hindu temples from coming up in Shah Alam?

Zulkifli Noordin’s candidacy is an insult to 1 Malaysia, particularly the Indian community.

This man has the audacity to blame his former colleagues for insulting Indians but won’t take responsibility for it himself. What a character, what a “transformative candidate”.

Put him where he belongs, in the garbage bin of history.

* Kunjuraman Karuppan reads The Malaysian Insider.

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

Najib defends Zul Noordin as champion of Indian issues

Datuk Seri Najib Razak introducing the Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Zulkifli Noordin in Shah Alam April 22, 2013. – Picture by Choo Choy MaySHAH ALAM, April 22 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak described Datuk Zulkifli Noordin today as a champion of Indian issues in Shah Alam where the Perkasa vice-president is contesting in Election 2013.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman’s defence of the controversial candidate comes even as MIC leader S. Vell Paari warned the ruling coalition recently that the Malay rights leader would cost BN Selangor in the May 5 polls.

“I’ve spoken to quite a number of Indians and they’re supporting him,” said the caretaker prime minister in a press conference at the Concorde Hotel here today.

“He’s already championed some issues pertaining to the Indian community in Shah Alam, like a Tamil school and another temple in Shah Alam,” added the Selangor BN chairman.

Vell Paari said last Wednesday that BN was risking the Indian vote by fielding Zulkifli, which he said would likely become the deciding vote in states like Selangor that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had won in Election 2008.

Zulkifli will be contesting in the Malay-majority state capital against incumbent Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who is seen as a progressive voice in PAS.

Vell Paari, the son of former MIC chief Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, also noted that there are some 15,000 Indian voters in Shah Alam; 31,000 in Kota Raja; 21,000 in Kapar; and 17,000 in Subang, many of whom he said were angered by Najib’s selection of Zulkifli, who had allegedly insulted the Hindu community.

Najib, however, dismissed Zulkifli’s actions as “history”, noting that the former PAS man had apologised over his remarks.

Najib also hit out at the Selangor government for demolishing seven Hindu temples in the country’s wealthiest state.

“Isn’t that more serious? More of a slap to the Hindus than what Zulkifli Noordin said 10 years ago when he was in PAS?” he said.

“They even destroyed a private temple in Sepang. That is worse, a thousand times worse than what Zulkifli Noordin has done,” added Najib.

A video of Zulkifli uttering the word “Keling”, which Malaysians of Indian descent consider derogatory, went viral recently, just days after another video was released in which he questioned an Indian trader on why Hindu gods did not prevent the man’s shop from being flooded, drawing the wrath of Hindus.

Once a lawyer for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Zulkifli had also questioned the purity of the Ganges River in India that is considered sacred by Hindus.

Zulkifli became a BN-friendly Independent MP and critical of the opposition when he was dismissed from PKR on March 6, 2010 over a police report he lodged against Khalid.

Umno’s Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin lost to Khalid in Election 2008 with a 9,314-vote majority. In 2004, he had won against Khalid with a 13,410-vote majority.

Tolak Zulkifli Noordin

SURAT FMT: Dari Uthaya Sankar SB, melalui e-mel

Tindakan BN mencalonkan Zulkifli Noordin sebagai “rakan BN” untuk bertanding kerusi Parlimen Shah Alam dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU-13) memberi gambaran seolah-olah BN mempersenda, memperlekeh serta tidak mengambil kira sensitiviti orang ramai, khususnya kaum India.

Umum mengetahui bahawa Zulkifli pernah mengeluarkan kenyataan yang menghina kaum India, penganut agama Hindu serta agama Hindu. Tindakannya turut dibidas masyarakat Melayu-Islam kerana mencemar kesucian agama Islam yang tidak membenarkan umatnya menghina mana-mana agama lain.

Sebagai seorang pengamal media, perunding media dan penganalisis politik, saya terkejut dengan tindakan BN mengambil Timbalan Presiden Perkasa itu bertanding atas tiket BN pada PRU-13. Pengumuman itu dilakukan Pengerusi BN, Najib Tun Razak pada 16 April 2013.

Dalam tempoh 24 jam selepas pengumuman itu dibuat, tidak ada mana-mana pemimpin MIC yang tampil menyatakan bantahan. MIC selalu mendabik dada mengatakan ia wakil tunggal kaum India dalam kerajaan dan BN. Maka, amat mengecewakan apabila pemimpin MIC memilih untuk berdiam diri dalam hal ini; bagaikan tidak ada apa-apa yang berlaku.

Sebelum ini, pemimpin MIC dan pemimpin pelbagai pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) kaum India dan agama Hindu (termasuk Malaysia Hindu Sangam) tampil mengecam Ridhuan Tee Abdullah dan Zulkifli yang mempersenda dan menghina kaum India dan agama Hindu.

Bagaimanapun, apabila BN mengambil Zulkifli sebagai calon untuk PRU-13, politikus kaum India, pemimpin NGO kaum India dan pemimpin NGO agama Hindu bagaikan tidak berani bersuara. Para pemimpin kaum India dalam BN – khususnya MIC dan PPP – umpama tidak ada pilihan selain menyokong penuh kempen Zulkifli. Ini merupakan satu lagi penghinaan kepada kaum India.

Walaupun saya tidak menyokong mana-mana parti politik, saya sangat kecewa dengan tindakan BN memilih Zulkifli sebagai calon BN. Saya menyeru masyarakat pelbagai kaum di Parlimen Shah Alam supaya tidak mengundi Zulkifli sebagai tanda dan mesej jelas kepada BN bahawa masyarakat pelbagai kaum di Parlimen Shah Alam khasnya dan di negeri Selangor amnya menolak calon yang rasis, fanatik, etnosentrik dan ultra kiasu serta menghina agama/kaum lain.

Masyarakat pelbagai kaum/agama yang mencintai keamanan dan meraikan kepelbagai kaum/agama serta menolak segala bentuk penghinaan yang dilakukan orang-orang seperti Zulkifli dan Ridhuan Tee wajar memberi pengajaran penting kepada BN menerusi kuasa undi pada PRU-13.

Sebelum ini, pelbagai pihak (individu dan NGO) sudah menyatakan bantahan secara terbuka terhadap Zulkifli dan Ridhuan Tee tetapi pihak berkuasa dan BN tidak mengambil apa-apa tindakan terhadap mereka. Kedua-dua mereka bagaikan kebal dan lebih berkuasa daripada pihak berkuasa.

Maka, menjelang PRU-13, biarlah orang ramai (rakyat) menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap golongan rasis dan mana-mana parti politik yang menyokong individu seperti itu. Biarlah BN mendapat mesej jelas bahawa masyarakat pelbagai kaum/agama menolak politik perkauman dan politikus yang bersikap rasis.

Saya juga menyeru masyarakat pelbagai kaum “menghukum” MIC yang gagal membela kaum India sedangkan parti politik itu sentiasa mendabik dada berkata ia berjuang membela kaum India. Setiap undi kepada calon MIC samalah seperti satu undi kepada pihak yang menyokong politikus yang menghina kaum India dan agama Hindu.

Rasional yang mudah adalah bahawa selagi rakyat tidak “menghukum” pesalah, selagi itulah politikus akan terus berbuat sesuka hati tanpa mengambil kira sensitiviti rakyat.

MIC leader warns of ‘Zulkifli’ backlash

In a text message, S Vell Paari urges the MIC president to raise the matter with the BN chairman or risk losing Indian votes.

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s decision to name the controversial Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin as its candidate for the Shah Alam parliament seat has drawn both disbelief and discontent.

Observers noted that it could be a case of shooting oneself in the foot with regard to Indian votes.

The tremors are also being felt in MIC, with one leader warning of an electoral backlash if Zulkifli is allowed to run under the BN banner.

Expressing disappointment over the decision, S Vell Paari urged MIC president G Palanivel to put the message across to BN chairman Najib Tun Razak.

The MIC strategy director conveyed this via a text message to Palanivel, which was also sent to members of the party’s central working committee.

The text message, which was forwarded to FMT by one of the CWC members, read: “Zulkifli being a BN candidate in Shah Alam is an insult to the Hindus in Malaysia.”

“We have 15,000 Indian voters in Shah Alam, 31,000 in Kota Raja, 21,000 in Kapar and 17,000 in Subang. Declaring Zulkifli as the BN candidate has angered the community.

“We could lose nearly 50% to 70% of Indian votes which could result in losses for MIC candidates especially in Selangor. But with Indian votes being the deciding vote, it could result in BN failing to capture Selangor,” said Vell Paari.

The MIC leader also warned the president that the resentment over Zulkifli’s candidacy is spreading to other states as well.

“Dato Seri [Palanivel], we cannot keep silent and let everyone walk away with an apology after insulting our religion and community…

“I was advised that as a CWC member I have to adhere to party decorum on any issues and I am doing just that. I hope Dato Seri can get a favorable action from PM,” he added.

Contacted later, Vell Paari confirmed that he had sent the text message to Palanivel this afternoon.

Asked what he meant by “favourable action from PM,” he replied that Zulkifli must be struck off the candidates list.

“This is a man whose words go against the spirit of 1Malaysia and BN, so how can he represent BN in the elections?” he said.

Zulkifli landed in the spotlight after a video of him belittling the Hindu religion went viral on You Tube, for which he later apologised.

The former PKR leader is the incumbent MP for the Kulim Bandar Bahru seat in Kedah, which he won in the 2008 general election.

Terbaru! Video Zulkifli [PERKASA] Hina Kaum India Pada 06-03-2013

Pencalonan Zul Noordin, Fathul Bari dikecam

Kecaman tersebut timbul ekoran pendirian mereka yang bersifat assabiyah dan perkauman.

PETALING JAYA: Sebuah badan hak asasi manusia, Pergerakan As Sajjad hari ini mengecam pencalonan dua ahli Umno, Zulkifli Noordin dan Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya, pada Pilihan Raya Umum ke 13 (PRU13) 5 Mei ini.

Zulkifli diumumkan sebagai calon di kerusi Parlimen Shah Alam manakala Fathul Bari, pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kerja Sekretariat Ulama Muda Umno (Ilmu), diumumkan sebagai calon Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sanglang, Perlis.

Pencalonan Zulkifli, yang juga adalah Naib Presiden Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) untuk P 108 Parlimen Shah Alam gagal menjelmakan semangat dan pendekatan holistik dan terkehadapan Barisan Nasional dalam isu-isu perhubungan kaum atau etnik,” kata kumpulan itu dalam satu kenyataan media.

Kritikan terhadap Zulkifli timbul ekoran kemunculan rakaman video Youtube yang menunjukkan Zulkifli menghina konsep ketuhanan dalam agama Hindu.

Pergerakan As Sajjad juga kecewa dengan pencalonan Fathul Bari ekoran kenyataan Fathul yang bersifat anti-Syiah.

“Beliau telah melakukan pemomokan dan fitnah yang serius terhadap minoriti Syiah di negara ini.

“Kami berpendapat pencalonan Fathul Bari adalah bertentangan dengan semangat Deklarasi Islamabad 2007 yang menggariskan bahawa tiada umat Islam dibenarkan membunuh atau membahayakan umat Islam lain, samada Syiah atau Sunni,” kata kumpulan tersebut.

As Sajjad turut mengkritik penyertaan anggota kumpulan Ikatan Muslim Malaysia (Isma) yang bertanding di lapan kerusi parlimen atas tiket Barisan Jemaaah Islamiyah Semalaysia (Berjasa) kerana mereka bersifat perkauman.

Manifesto calon Berjasa menyatakan bahawa mereka bertanding untuk “menebus kembali hak dan kuasa politik Melayu-Islam di Parlimen dan Dewan Undangan-Dewan Undangan Negeri-Negeri tertentu.

MP lying over Murugan statue, police must act

By Satees Muniandy

I am not surprised MP for Kulim Bandar Baru Zulkifli Noordin chose to lie in making his insincere apology for making those comments insulting Hindu religion, which caused many police reports to be lodged against him nationwide.

Zulkifli, according to the mainstream media reports, had apologised for making those comments “10 years ago, when he was in PAS”. I doubt Zulkifli’s statement, as in the video that he is making those insulting comments, Zulkifli is seen referring to the Murugan statue in Batu Caves as “Itu Murugan tongkat 14 tingkat” and “Tuhan Murugan yang pegang tongkat macam di Batu Caves tu”.

The Murugan statue in Batu Caves was only unveiled during Thaipusam in the year 2006, that is seven years ago. Ten years ago, there was no tallest Murugan statue at Batu Caves. So, it is very clear that Zulkifli is lying in his statement of apology. MIC might be satisfied with his insincere apology, but not the Indian-Hindu community in Malaysia.

This shows that this man has no sense of remorse and his apology was insincere. He merely wants to blame PAS for his own stupidity in making those insulting comments. I have been in Kelantan, a state where PAS has been ruling for more than 20 years now. I have seen how people of different religion are living peacefully in Kelantan. The Kelantan PAS-led government does not insult or infringe on the rights of the people of different faiths to practice their religion freely.

It is also notable that there are many Buddhist wats and Hindu temples throughout the state. I have never heard before that Menteri Besar Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat had insulted other religions and faiths. It is not the Islam that PAS believes in. It is the practice of extremists like Zul Noordin and Perkasa to insult other religions and faiths. So, Zulkifli should stop spewing lies against Pakatan Rakyat parties over his own mistake.

I urge the police to take action against Zulkifli immediately, since now he admitted making those insulting comments. A statement of insincere apology from Zulkifli does not change anything. If Zulkifli is not charged and punished for his seditious comment, it will create an impression and bad example, as though one can say anything as they wish and they will not be punished after they apologise.

If the police do not take any action against Zulkifli, it shows how unprofessional the force can be. We hope to see action taken against this individual.

---

SATEES MUNIANDY is assistant secretary, Penang DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy).

MIC threatens action against Zul Noordin

The party wants the Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General to investigate and charge the MP over his vicious remarks.

PETALING Jaya: Perkasa vice-president Zukifili Noordin must apologise to Malaysian Hindus for belittling their religion or face action from MIC, the party warned today.

MIC secretary general S Murugesan said in a statement that the independent Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP’s remarks were unbecoming of a MP and an insult not only to Hindus, but to all who profess freedom of religion.

“We view such transgressions seriously and would like to remind all leaders to respect each other’s religion and way of life in a multi racial, multi religious country.

“We do not want such reckless statements to wreck the harmony that has been built by our forefathers,” he added.

His statement comes in the wake of national outrage over a video of Zulkifli questioning the Hindu concept of God and mocking the Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

“I have been to Sungai Ganga before. How can you say it’s pure? There are chicken carcasses and small sticks floating,” Zulkifli said.

He also recalled his conversation with a trader selling Hindu figurines and statues in the Masjid India area in Kuala Lumpur whose business was affected by a flood.

He described how the trader laughed when he questioned why the deities were not there to protect his business.

Zulkifli added that he then suggested to the trader that his god was unable to protect his business perhaps, because his god too was hit by the flood.

Commenting on this, Murugesan said: “Zulkifli questions the concept of the Hindu God and the purity of Hindus in what appears to be a recording at a religious lecture.”

“He had used his conversation with a street peddler as the basis of questioning the Hindu faith. It shows his shallowness and total disrespect of another’s faith.

“On what authority is Zulkifli speaking on the Hindu religion? Not only are his remarks wrong vis a vis the Hindu religion, but also betrays his prejudice,” he added.

Charge Zulkifli

MIC also joined the growing call for the authorities to take action against Zulkifli.

“Malaysia is a role model country on integrating multiculturalism and even First World Countries like Japan has high regard on this about Malaysia,” said Murugesan.

“We urge the Inspector General of Police and Attorney General to investigate and charge Zulkifli under Section 298A of the Penal Code. Enough is enough,” he said.

Section 298A is related to causing “disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudice, etc., the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion. Anyone found guilty under the section may be imprisoned from two to five years.

DAP MP for Teluk Intan M Manogaran also criticised Zulkifli over his remark, saying that the latter should have known better than making such sensitive remarks.

“I am dumb founded that he actually said such a thing. We should be working together by understanding our respective beliefs and cultures…not make comments that would further divide us,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, about 30 NGOs and several PKR members lodged 20 police reports against Zulkifli at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.

Liwat isteri: Ulasan Zul Noordin cetus kekecohan

(Harakah Daily) - Persidangan Dewan Rakyat hari ini kecoh apabila Ahli Parlimen Kulim Bandar Baru (Bebas) menuduh hukum hudud yang hendak dilaksanakan oleh PAS membenarkan suami meliwat isteri.

Tuduhan tersebut dibuat oleh Datuk Zulkifli Noordin dengan kononnya dirujuk kepada draf dan Enakmen Hudud dan Qisas Terenggganu 2002 yang diluluskan pada persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (Dun) Terengganu ketika PAS memerintah negeri itu dulu.

Menurut beliau, perkara itu dirujuk pada Seksyen 14 enakmen tersebut yang menerangkan tentang liwat yang dimaksudkan dengan seseorang lelaki memasukkan zakarnya ke dalam dubur seseorang lelaki atau perempuan, kecuali isteri.

Katanya, perkataan kecuali dengan isteri itu jelas membawa maksud seseorang suami boleh memasukkan zakarnya ke dalam dubur isterinya kerana ia tidak dimaksudkan meliwat.

"Inilah hudud PAS. Ini bercanggah dengan Islam. Dalam Islam, jika seseorang lelaki itu memasukkan zakarnya ke dalam dubur seseorang tidak kira dengan sesiapapun termasuk dengan isteri sendiri, ia tetap liwat.

"Tetapi dalam hudud PAS, itu tak dikatakan liwat. Maknanya suami boleh berbuat begitu dalam hudud PAS walaupun ia jelas bercanggah dengan ajaran Islam," kata ketika berucap pada persidangan Dewan Rakyat di sini, hari ini.

Dengan itu, menurut beliau, enakmen tersebut bukanlah undang-undang Islam, tetapi hudud PAS yang dibuat oleh mereka yang kononnya tidak faham dengan undang-undang Islam tetapi hanya berlagak pandai untuk kepentingan politik.

Sebelum itu, Zulkifli mengatakan Enakmen tersebut kononnya bercanggah dengan Islam khususnya mengenai umur akhil baligh, apabila perlaksaan hudud hanya akan dikenakan ke atas mereka yang berumur 18 tahun ke atas.

Menurutnya, dengan hanya akan melaksanakan Enakmen tersebut terhadap mereka yang berumur 18 tahun ke atas bermaksud PAS telah mengubah hukum Islam yang mengatakan seseorang lelaki akhil baligh setelah bermimpi, manakala perempuan pula setelah datang haid.

Katanya, dari segi umur, setelah berusia 15 tahun tidak juga bermimpi atau datang haid bermakna mereka telah dikira mumayyiz dan sampai umur serta boleh dilaksanakan undang-undang Islam terhadap mereka.

"Tetapi dalam hudud PAS akan dilaksanakan setelah berumur 18 tahun. Ini jelas bercanggah dengan Islam yang mewajibkan dilaksanakan hudud setelah seseorang itu mumayyiz iaitu yang telah mencapai usia 15 tahun," katanya.

Kesalahan-kesalahan seperti itu, katanya, sengaja dilakukan oleh para pemimpin PAS untuk membolehkan enakmen tersebut tidak boleh dilaksanakan kerana akan ditolak oleh Umno bagi meraih kepentingan politik.

Dakwaan-dakwaan tidak berasas beliau memaksa ahli-ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat terutama dari PAS dan PKR bangun menjelaskan perkara sebenar bagi mengelakkan kekeliruan orang ramai yang sengaja dicetuskan itu sehingga menimbulkan kekecohan.

Beberapa orang ahli Parlimen dari BN pula termasuk dari Kinabatangan turut bangun mempertahanlkan Zulkifli, manakala Zulkifli sendiri enggan memberikan laluan kepada ahli-ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat menjelaskan kebenaran.

Sikap mereka menyebabkan persidangan menjadi semakin kecoh sehingga tamat tempoh masa Zulkifli dibenarkan berucap.

Ahli Parlimen Kubang Kerian, Salahuddin Ayub ketika bangun mencelah menyatakan Zulkifli ternyata hanya berlagak pandai walaupun tidak tahu tentang undang-undang Islam sehingga tergamak membuat tuduhan seperti itu terhadap PAS.

Menurut beliau, dalam Al-Quran tidak dinyatakan had umur akhil baligh, tetapi seseorang yang telah sampai umur dirujuk kepada mereka yang telah mumayih yang tidak hanya berumur 15 tahun.

"Enakmen Hudud dan Qisas Terengganu 2002 itu dibuat oleh hakim-hakim yang pakar dalam undang-undang Islam. Itulah sebabnya enakmen itu dihadkan perlaksaaannya ke atas seseorang berusia 18 tahun ke atas kerana faktor kematangan.

"Mereka yang membuat undang-undang itu cukup faham tentang mumayyiz, tetapi dia (Zulkifli) tentang mumayyiz pun tak tahu, jadi macam mana layak bercakap tentang undang-undang Islam," katanya yang juga Naib Presiden PAS.

Manakala mengenai tuduhan hudud PAS membenarkan suami meliwat isteri yang dibuat oleh Zulkifli itu pula, beliau mengatakan dakwaan itu ternyata tidak berasas dan bohong sama sekali.

Katanya, enakmen tersebut tidak bermaksud demikian tetapi Zulkifli yang tidak memahaminya kerana kejahilannya sendiri.

Sebaliknya yang dimaksudkan dengan kecuali isteri dalam enakmen itu, katanya, seseorang suami tidak sekali-kali boleh memasukkan zakarnya ke dalam dubur isterinya kerana perbuatan itu adalah haram dalam Islam.

Sehubungan itu, beliau mengusulkan kepada Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Ronald Kiandee agar membawa tuduhan Zulkifli itu kepada peraturan 26 (1P) bagi membolehkan ahli Parlimen tersebut dihadapkan kepada Jawatankuasa Tata Tertib Dewan Rakyat.

Bagaimanapun, usul beliau ditolak oleh Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan Rakyat atas alasan tidak perlu.

Ahli Parlimen Kuala Selangor yang juga Ahli Jawatankuasa Kerja PAS Pusat, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ketika bangun mencelah mengatakan Zulkifli ternyata berniat jahat terhadap PAS dengan tuduhan-tuduhan tidak berasasnya itu.

Manakala Ahli Parlimen Balik Pulau, Yusmadi Yusof dari PKR dan Ahli Parlimen Ampang, Zuraida Kamaruddin yang juga dari PKR turut bangun menyatakan kebenaran.

Mereka turut mengutuk keras tindakan Zulkifli kerana tergamak membuat tuduhan-tuduhan tidak berasas sedemikian terhadap PAS dan enakmen tersebut.

‘Kaum biaDAP may ruin Malays’

Independent MP Zulkifli Noordin warns that should DAP come into power, the Malays' faith in Islam and their moral values may erode.

FULL REPORT

PETALING JAYA: The faith and moral values of the Malays here will erode if the “kaum biaDAP” comes into power, said Barisan Nasional-friendly independent MP Zulkifli Noordin.

The Kulim Bandar Baharu MP, in his blog, made scathing remarks against a man whom he claimed had insulted Islam.

The individual, whom Zulkifli described as “cursed” (laknatullah), was allegedly a Singaporean who posted comments insulting Prophet Muhammad on his Facebook page.

“There are no more boundaries to the accursed people… according to the records, the barua (bastard) who wrote those things lives in Singapore… maybe this is the work and teaching of (former Singapore prime minister) Caliph Lee Kuan Yew,” said the ex-PKR MP.

Linking the Singaporean Chinese leader’s influence to the Chinese-majority opposition party DAP, Zulkifli said:

“Probably, this is what will happen to our Malay children if the biaDAP (rude) party of (Penang chief minister and DAP secretary-general Lim) Guan Eng who is worshiped by the Anwarinas (Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters) was to rule this country.”

“With the current serious crisis of the (Islamic) faith, all of these new clowns are willing to share the usage of the term Allah with the Christians, and still do not know how to be united with each other in Islam. They still worship the traitors of Islam and ‘menjilat’ (kowtow) to the kaum biaDAP,” he added.

He also took a swipe at Islamic party PAS, whom he termed as “pak lebai” (pious person), for defending a “kaki liwat” (sodomite), “kaki zina” (adulterer), “kaki pembohong” (liar), “kaki penipu”, “kaki putar” (spin doctor), “kaki komunis” (communist) and “kaki sondol”, in an obvious reference to Anwar.

Zulkifli had been a harsh critic of PKR and Anwar, especially after he was sacked from PKR last year and turned Independent MP. The long-term Anwar follower accused his former party of not doing enough to protect Islam.

Remarks ‘uncalled for’

In an immediate reaction, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said his party condemned the “uncalled for” and “nonsensical” remarks by Zulkifli.

“What we want is reasonable discussions and debates about policies and the future of the country, and not such remarks which appeal to emotion without any basis,” said the Bukit Bendara MP.

Liew said Zulkifli’s argument took a “leap of logic” and he would not give it attention.

“This is part of his campaign against Pakatan Rakyat, from the day he left. And it is part of the bigger picture where in 2005 (then Umno Youth chief) Hishammuddin (Hussein) raised the keris as part of Umno’s attempt to win support and consolidate the Malay population,” he added.

The DAP leader said Umno was doing this at the expense of BN component parties and non-Malays in the country.

“These efforts are unlikely to bear fruit, because they are still struggling. Umno is not getting more than 60% of Malay support, that is their challenge at the moment. Many Malays have seen through Umno and its problems. They, like all Malaysians, also want a society which does not favour cronies,” he added.

Explaining how illogical Zulkifli’s argument was, Liew said that DAP ceased all relationships with the Singaporean People’s Action Party after the departure of DAP founder Devan Nair in 1967.

“Since then DAP has nothing to do with Singapore. But more importantly, what he said has no basis. We (Pakatan) are for a country which puts across the right values of governance, we want a government that is clean and elections to be fair…” he said.

“Zulkifli is part of this so called one-upmanship publicity blitz… what needs to happen is sensible people from both sides need to lead and provide alternative leadership,” he added.

Liew said it was unlikely that people would buy Zulkifli’s logic.

“I think Umno has even ignored the fact that rural people also have children in cities. To assume that rural folk are predominantly Umno supporters and willing to buy all this nonsense is just wrong,” he added.

Contacted for comment, PAS’ Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad could only laugh. “Hahaha. My God!”

“This guy does a great disservice to Islam while he reckons he is ‘championing’ the Islamic cause,” he added.

He said Zulkifli’s overzealous nature drives him into religious bigotry, prompting him to always portray Islam as being under siege.

“This enables him to justify his combative and confrontational default mode. Deplorable! It makes a mockery of Islam,” he said.

How Zul Noordin distorts the truth

In the year 638, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Umar, the third Caliph, led an army to conquer Jerusalem. The Christian leaders of Jerusalem invited Umar into the Church of Holy Sepulcher so that he could fulfil his prayers. Umar, however, refused to do so out of respect for the Christians. Instead, he chose to pray outside the church.

No Holds Barred
Raja Petra Kamarudin 


First, see the video below from minute 6:23.
At minute 6:23 in that video, the Member of Parliament for Kulim Bandar Baru, Zulkifli Noordin, said that the Caliph Umar refused to enter a church when invited to do so. This is proof, he said, that Muslims should not enter a church. 

He does not care about the law, argued Zul. Malaysian law may not have made it illegal or haram for Muslims to enter a church. But he is not concerned with that. He is guided by the example (sunah) of the Prophet’s Comrades (Sahabat Nabi) and Caliph Umar, one of the Prophet’s Comrades, refused to enter a church. This is all that matters.

Zul did not offer any details on this incident he quoted. He did not clarify when and where this incident was supposed to have happened. Either he is not clear about the incident or he is intentionally trying to mislead his audience.

Well, in that case, since Zul is either not too clear about the incident or refuses to clarify his statement with intent to mislead his audience, let me help with the clarification.

In the year 638, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Umar, the third Caliph, led an army to conquer Jerusalem. The Christian leaders of Jerusalem invited Umar into the Church of Holy Sepulcher so that he could fulfil his prayers. Umar, however, refused to do so out of respect for the Christians. Instead, he chose to pray outside the church.

Umar’s main concern was that, if he entered the church to pray, future generations of Muslims might misinterpret his action as he had ‘acquired’ or ‘captured’ the church and had turned it into a mosque. That was why he chose to pray outside the church rather than in the church. This was to safeguard the church and not trigger a precedence where churches are taken by force and turned into mosques.

That was the real reason why Umar refused to enter the Church of Holy Sepulcher to pray. He intentionally prayed outside the church to avoid any misunderstanding and conflict. He wanted to demonstrate that even though the Muslims had conquered Jerusalem, they did not disturb any churches or took these churches by force. Churches would remain churches and Muslims would have to build their own mosques if they wanted to pray.

I don’t wear a songkok or white skullcap like Zul. But I know my history. And that was the history of what happened when Umar conquered Jerusalem. And that was the real reason why Umar declined the invitation to enter the church to pray. It was to avoid any misunderstanding and conflict, and not as Zul is tying to mislead us.

Defiant PKR man faces suspension

By Baradan Kuppusamy - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP, Zulkifli Noordin is likely to be suspended and not immediately sacked despite defying de facto PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s instructions to withdraw a police report lodged against PAS lawmaker Khalid Samad, party sources told The Malaysian Insider today.

Zulkifli (picture) accused Anwar today of bias after the latter directed him to withdraw the police report lodged over the “Allah” issue.

He added that he would only withdraw the report if Khalid also retracted a statement saying the Selangor Islamic enactments are outdated.

But despite his antagonistic stand and the rising chorus for him to be sacked Pakatan Rakyat supremo Anwar is not likely to endorse any move to sack Zulkifli.

PKR party officials say Zulkifli will still face stern disciplinary action even if he escapes the sack.

“Even newly appointed Secretary-General Saifuddin Nasution has joined in the chorus of criticisms,” a PKR source said.

“But Anwar has always been against sacking anybody…he knows how it feels as he himself was sacked from Umno once.”

“He is always for forgivng and I expect Zulkifli to be suspended,” the source said adding however that Zulkifli may resign to “save face” before the party’s disciplinary committee makes a decision.

The political bureau is meeting tomorrow and although the Zulkifli issue would be discussed, the matter will likely be referred to the disciplinary committee.

If Zulkifli resigns he could declare himself an independent as PAS, of which he was a member before, is unlikely to accept him.

“He is tainted…nobody wants him. Even Umno will reject him but he will not join Barisan,” the source said. “The best option for him is to resign voluntarily and be an independent in Parliament.”

“None of the Pakatan political parties will accept him or re-field him in the upcoming general election,” Pakatan sources said. “This is probably the end of road for Zulkifli.”

PKR supreme council member Datuk Zaid Ibrahim issued a strong statement today, demanding the party sack Zulkifli, arguing that lodging a report was unacceptable and a form of intimidation.

“It is time for PKR to look at itself... its credibility is being affected. In my view, they must sack him. Otherwise the party will become a laughing stock,” Zaid told a press conference this morning.

Anwar said last night that Zulkifli will face disciplinary action by the party.

“I have always given him room to express himself but I have not always agreed with him.

“I have advised him not to cause any tension among our partners but he has crossed the line this time,” Anwar told reporters at Pakatan Rakyat’s road show here last night.

PKR sources said Anwar had pulled up Zulkifli twice before and he was let off because he allegedly apologised to the party boss.

Zulkifli is said to have a special relationship with Anwar as he was one of the nine original lawyers acting for him after the former DPM was sacked in 1998 and charged with sodomy and corruption.

He was detained under Internal Security Act in September 1998 together with Anwar and 17 other persons.

He was one of the few lawyers who stepped up to defend Tun Salleh Abas in the “1988 May Day for Justice” saga.

Zulkifli accuses Anwar of taking sides

“The party should value my views.” — file pic

By G. Manimaran - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP, Zulkifli Noordin has accused his party leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of bias after the latter directed him to withdraw a police report he had lodged against PAS parliamentarian, Khalid Samad.

Zulkifli also maintains he would not withdraw the report unconditionally.

“I will not take back the report against Khalid. If they want me to withdraw it, Khalid must also withdraw his statement saying that Selangor Islamic enactments are outdated and he also needs to apologise,” he told The Malaysian Insider when contacted today.

Zulkifli also conveyed the same message to PKR de facto leader Anwar at around 11.30am, via an emailed response to an earlier message he received from Anwar last night.

Elaborating further, Zulkifli said Anwar, both as a leader and a Muslim, needed to be neutral in this matter.

“I wrote to him saying that I respect the differences in opinion as he mentioned in his email. But as a leader and a Muslim, his actions should be neutral.

“Instead, he chose to take sides by backing (Khalid’s statement),” said Zulkifli.

According to him, Anwar’s email asked for him to drop the police report he had filed against the PAS lawmaker and told him to accept the fact that different opinions will exist in both the party and Pakatan Rakyat.

Furthermore, the email declared that Zulkifli would not be referred to the political bureau scheduled for tomorrow.

Last night, Anwar had stated that Zulkifli would be hauled in front of the disciplinary board for his latest actions, before adding that the latter’s filing of a police report had not only “crossed the line” but had also disappointed him.

Anwar confirmed that he has written to Zulkifli and was expecting an explanation before Tuesday.

Explaining further his email to Anwar, Zulkifli said he has no qualms about PKR and PAS being components of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

His issue, he claims, was only with Khalid overstepping his bounds by suggesting the state’s Islamic enactments were obsolete and needed to be overhauled.

“I made the report against Khalid in my personal capacity after he made the statement, which to my mind was criminal in nature.

“I felt that he had insulted Muslims and, at the same time, driven Muslim support away from Pakatan,” he said.

On his referral to the disciplinary board, Zulkifli said he was prepared for it and was not afraid to face the consequences.

“It is the party’s prerogative to take action as they see fit, as it is mine to voice my opinions,”

“The party should value my views... I give views that benefit the party by maintaining Muslim support for it,” Zulkifli added.

Yesterday, the PKR Youth urged party leaders to act against Zulkifli after he filed a police report against Khalid for alleged sedition.

According to the wing’s leader, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Zulkifli should not have tried to get a colleague from the same coalition investigated under the Sedition Act.

“What he did is against the principle of musyawarah (intellectual debate),” said Shamsul, who also added that the actions were “very Umno-like”.

This morning, PKR supreme council member, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim today said the party should sack lawmaker Zulkifli over his latest move.