As expected Ibrahim Ali joins Dr M, Khairy in justifying Paris attack: 'This is what happens when you insult the Prophet'

According to Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali, the Charlie Hebdo attack in France was the result when people insult Prophet Muhammad, and thus hurt the feelings of Muslims.

"When the French government did not do anything (on the publication of caricatures against the Prophet), those insulted took the law into their own hands.

"Although we condemn the attack, this is what happens when you insult or get involved in others' religious affairs," he said in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

France was on high alert this week after 12 people were killed at the Paris offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, a weekly known for lampooning religion and politics.

Two brothers wanted for the bloody attack were killed yesterday when anti-terrorist police stormed their hideout.

Meanwhile, echoing Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar on the need for the Sedition Act, Ibrahim said the attack had proven the relevance of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Sedition Act in Malaysia.

Ibrahim Ali

"If there is no Sedition Act then such things will happen in Malaysia. The police need an effective instrument to handle security issues," he said.

'Not targeted because of fake names'

Ibrahim said there were many insults made against Prophet Muhammad on social media and because such people use fake names online, they have not been targeted.

"Imagine if we know who is behind those accounts. And without the Sedition Act, it would not be impossible for such attacks to happen.

"That's why I agree with (Defence Minister) Hishammuddin Hussein," he said.

Hishammuddin yesterday had said that the attack could also happen in the country.

Ibrahim himself came under investigation for sedition when he allegedly called for the burning of Malay bibles, but attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail did not charge him of the crime because the remark "does not fall within the definition of seditious tendency".

According to the attorney-general, Ibrahim had no intention to create religious disharmony and was "defending the sanctity of Islam" when he called for the burning of the bibles.

Meanwhile, on a separate matter, commenting on French researcher Sophie Lemiere who had said that Ibrahim was a "communication genius", the former politician said it was proof that he is "important".

"I'm a nobody. I'm not a minister, not an MP, but I became the focus because I'm the punching bag.

"Even when Gerakan or MCA loses in elections, people say it's Perkasa's fault," said Ibrahim, adding that he is simply misunderstood and a victim of media spin. - M'kini