Ex-top cop: ‘Grave error’ a security concern

Ex- Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim says the NST's 'error' can spark off a serious conflict and the police should investigate the daily.

KUALA LUMPUR: The “grave error” committed by New Straits Times with regard to the quotes of an Australian senator could pose a security concern, said a former top cop.

Ex-Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim said NST’s mistake could affect the Australian community in Malaysia, and since it was also a religious issue, could potentially spark off a serious conflict if exploited.

On May 2, the Umno-linked newspaper reported that Independent Senator Nick Xenophon was highly critical of Islam and had referred to the religion as a “criminal organisation.”

NST cited a Nov 17, 2009 speech made by Xenophon in the Australian Parliament in which the daily quoted him as saying: “Islam is not a religious organisation. It is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs.”

However, the Australian Hansard showed that Xenophon was not referring to Islam at all, but to Scientology.

The report also claimed that Xenophon, said to be an associate of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, appeared to be supportive of same-sex marriages.

Xenophon is now planning to sue the daily. Yesterday, NST admitted making a “grave error” and retracted the article.

‘NST must be taken to task’

Writing to FMT on the matter, Mat Zain said that NST must be taken to task for their spin on Islam.

He also said action should be taken against TV3 for airing statements made by independent MP Zaharin Hashim, who had criticised Xenophon for “supporting the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.”

“They (the paper) must be held responsible for the security concern which not only affects Xenophon alone but the entire Australian community who are living here in Malaysia or on short trips here,” he added.

Mat Zain said the issue could “develop into security concerns for Malaysians and mostly students in Australia or anywhere else in the world where Australians and Malaysians are found together.”

He said the matter cannot be looked upon as a personal issue between Xenophon and NST.

“It must be viewed beyond that. Their spin involved Islam and therefore any Muslim can take offence of the irresponsible article by NST,” he said.

Mat Zain also called upon Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to “state his stand” on the matter.

“…and if need be, the goverment must clear the air with the Australian government for the sake of the safety of our Malaysian students or otherwise that are now in Australia… if Najib really cares for the people,” he said.

Mat Zain said the police could immediately commence an investigation against NST under Section 298 A of the Penal code which is for “causing disharmony, disunity, or feeling of enmity, hatred

or illwill, or prejudicing etc, the maintainance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.”

Mat Zain also suggested that the police could investigate the matter under the Sedition Act.

“Whichever they are comfortable with. I don’t think I need to explain the rules of engagement to them, any law they choose to commence the investigation. The inspector-general of police knows better,” he said.