KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Security forces veterans continued their attacks on PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu today, taking out two-page advertisements in Malay dailies slamming his remarks on the Bukit Kepong incident.
The full-colour advertisement, carried in Mingguan Malaysia andBerita Minggu, was signed by 18 police and armed forces veterans associations.
Police veterans said they were angry and disappointed with Mohamad (picture) for saying the Communists who attacked the Bukit Kepong police station in 1950 should be seen as independence fighters.
“That statement is shallow and inhumane. It trivialises, insults, offends and reduces the honour and dignity of police officers who were killed or injured while protecting the nation’s sovereignty and the institution of the police,” they said.
In a separate message in the same advertisement, army veterans said Mohamad’s statement insulted the memories of soldiers and their families who sacrificed themselves fighting the Communists.
“His statement . . . can threaten the nation’s sovereignty, religion and unity,” they said.
Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, is facing charges of criminal defamation for allegedly glorifying Communist guerrillas in a speech at Tasek Gelugor in August.
The PAS leader, who claimed trial to the charges, faces up to two years in jail and/or a fine if found guilty of the offence under Section 500 of the Penal Code.
The outspoken politician also faces an alternative charge of defaming the family members of the policemen and soldiers who died in the Bukit Kepong Incident.
Umno has been quick to capitalise on Mohamad’s controversial remarks and has pushed the issue to the fore in its campaign for votes from ex-policemen and former soldiers.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be meeting with police pensioners at Putra World Trade Centre here later this afternoon.
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