Retract your statement, MCA tells Ibrahim

MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok says that the Perkasa chief's provocative statement has no place in a multi-religious Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali must retract his recent calls for Muslims to burn Malay Bibles with the word “Allah” in them.

In a statement today, MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok also said that as an elected MP, Ibrahim should strive to work for the betterment of all Malaysians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“He has pushed things too far. Ibrahim’s attitude is unbecoming and disappointing,” said Loh.

On Satuday, the Pasir Mas MP urged Muslims to burn Malay Bibles, known as the al-Kitab.

He claimed certain quarters were trying to provoke the Muslims by using Arabic words in the Christian holy scriptures.

His statement drew brickbats from various quarters, with civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan urging the police to investigate Ibrahim under the Penal Code and the Sedition Act.

Loh said that although the Barisan Nasional government respects freedom of speech, an individual must remember that Malaysia is a multi-religious country.

“And we must practise tolerance and respect for each other, in the spirit of the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.

Loh added that Ibrahim’s statement was not only dangerous, but was also inflammatory and seditious in nature.

“Not only did he disrespect the Christian’s holy book, Ibrahim’s calls to burn the al-Kitab also tantamount to vandalism,” he said.