Ibrahim Ali: I didn't intend to offend Christians

Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali says his call to Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible written in Jawi and using the word 'Allah' was not intended to hurt the feelings of Christians but that it was a reaction to those trying to violate the federal constitution.

The Independent MP for Pasir Mas explained to Utusan Malaysia that his call was to wake up those who tried to proselytise Muslims.

"We respect Christians and it was not my intention to offend or hurt the feelings of others. We have tolerated a lot.

"But when we voiced out our reaction to the action of a certain party that distributed Malay-language Bibles to students of a secondary school in Penang, many were angered," the Umno-owned daily quoted Ibrahim as saying.

The controversial politician said those who distribute the Malay-language Bible should know that their action has riled Muslims in this country.

"The issue is that their action can cause Muslims to become apostates, thus creating discord and tension," he added.

Last Saturday, Ibrahim had urged Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible for using ‘Allah' to refer to ‘God', saying this was the "only way" to stop non-Muslims from stirring up the sensitivities of Muslims in Malaysia.

He said this in response to a police report filed in Penang claiming that two men had distributed copies of the Bible to Muslim students at the entrance to a secondary school in Jelutong.

His statement drew flak from various quarters, including Christian leaders, who urged the government to act against him.