PAS’ right-wing politics is partly to blame for the increase in extremist acts in the country, said an Amanah leader.
Federal Territories Amanah chairperson Khalid Abdul Samad said while the Islamist party’s act of denouncing the death threat against DAP lawmaker Teresa Kok is laudable, the hatred campaign it (PAS) preaches and its propaganda that Islam is under threat further feeds religious extremism.
“Following a series of incidents over the last week such as the Ulu Tiram police station attack and the attempted intrusion of Istana Negara by two armed men, FT Amanah is concerned about the worsening racial and religious strife caused by groups that play up narrow and extreme religious beliefs and issues,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 21).
“FT Amanah lauds PAS’ condemnation of the threat against the Seputeh MP, but the party has to realise that the right-wing political campaign that it practises also contributes to the rise in extremist acts.
“The hatred campaign it (PAS) preaches and its propaganda that Islam is threatened feeds religious extremism.”
Khalid was commenting on PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan who on Monday (May 20) strongly condemned the death threat against Kok and emphasised that PAS demands swift investigation and prosecution of those involved.
Takiyuddin also noted that such violent and destructive incidents have been increasingly common lately, affecting politicians, security personnel, athletes, businesspeople, and others.
Echoing Takiyuddin’s call for a prompt probe into the incident, Khalid stressed that the police should not compromise with any quarters found to be involved in the matter or any other issues related to violence to avoid a reoccurrence of such incidents.
“FT Amanah also urges all quarters to be responsible by not provoking or playing up racial and religious issues or sentiments that can disrupt the public order and harmony we have strived for all these years,” he added.
On Sunday night, Kok received an envelope with two bullets and a letter which contained a racist insult in her home mailbox.
Following a report, the police are investigating the case under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, which provides for a jail term of up to two years or a fine, or both. – May 21, 2024
Main pic credit: The Star
