PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has taken a swipe at the arrogance of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution who recently claimed that leaders of the Islamist party would make up the bulk of those implicated if Putrajaya has been strict in clamping down on 3R (race, religion and royalty) offenders.
This came about as the former PKR secretary-general was commenting on a statement by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan who urged the Madani government to act fairly and transparently in handling racial or religious incitement.
The PAS lawmaker went on to highlight that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should first act against those in his Madani government for stoking racial and religious tensions.
On the contrary, Takiyuddin who is also the Opposition whip argued that if the government simply denies responsibility by blaming others, this will further worsen the people’s perception while enabling opportunistic quarters to spark tension.
“I can confirm that if action were taken based on existing laws, many of Takiyuddin’s colleagues would be affected,” Sinar Harian quoted Saifuddin ss saying after having attended the application of pure values programme at the Ar-Raudhah Mosque in Pokok Sena, Kedah.
“If the police or I were to enforce provisions under the Penal Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act or other laws, they would be among the most frequently penalised.”
Rebutting Saifuddin, Tuan Ibrahim who is also the Kubang Kerian MP reckoned that the threatening tome in the former’s response that many opposition leaders would be subject to action for 3R breaches gave the impression that present law is only applicable to the opposition faction.
In fact, Saifuddin’s hint of ‘selective persecution’ has been criticised by veteran journalist-turned-political commentator R. Nadeswaran a.k.a. Citizen Nades as this contradicted both PMX and Saifuddin’s recent statement that the police do not resort t0 favouritism or double standards in investigating 3R cases.
“So, he is confirming that members of the Islamic party are treated with velvet gloves and, above all, there is selective police action and prosecution,” wondered the Newswav content creator in a column entitled “Saifuddin confirms selective prosecution in 3R cases”.
“Is this why no action has been taken against those making provocative statements touching the 3Rs?
Delving further, Nadeswaran questioned why Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth has not been touched and allowed to continue to taunt and mock the Hindu religion on social media?
This is after Zamri having claimed last week that Hindus performing the kavadi ritual “dance” are like those who are drunk or possessed.
Moreover, even after Meta has removed his insulting Facebook post on Sunday (March 9), he re-posted it later that night, claiming he did not need to be remorseful for his remarks as he only stated facts.
“Anwar and Saifuddin cannot pull wool over our eyes and continue to say one thing and do another. They must ensure that the laws of the land are applied equally and fairly to all,” added Citizen Nades. – March 11, 2025
