Mosque chief sought DAP aid, says Raub MP

He shoots back at Umno, saying it's the one insulting the people of Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR: Raub MP Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz of DAP today denounced Kelantan Umno for describing his party’s plan to build a mosque in Gua Musang as an insult to Islam.

He said the “real insult” was Umno’s failure to help the people of Kelantan rebuild their lives following last year’s record floods.

Speaking at a media conference here, he said reported statements from Kelantan Umno on the issue were part of a “concerted effort” to discredit DAP.

Ariff said that the chairman of the proposed mosque approached DAP for the party’s contribution towards its construction.

He added that DAP had been contributing towards rebuilding parts of Kelantan since the floods and that this help included repairs of damaged mosques.

“Umno has promised RM800 million, but has done nothing,” he said. “But when we are doing something that benefits the community, they turn around and they say it’s an insult to Islam.

“The real insult is Umno not doing anything.”

Yesterday, news reports quoted Kelantan Umno chairman Mustapa Mohamed as saying there was a need to ensure that funds coming from DAP were from halal sources.

Kelantan Umno Religious Affairs Bureau chief Ashraf Wajdi Dusuki also rejected the DAP effort. “The DAP’s plan to build a mosque in Gua Musang is an insult to Muslims in this country,” he was quoted as saying.

The statements, according to Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, was enough to warrant an investigation under the Sedition Act.

“I want the Inspector-General of Police to initiate an investigation into Kelantan Umno,” Lim said. “It accused DAP of insulting Muslims. This is serious.”

Ariff also censured the Muslim group ISMA over its recent accusation that DAP was controlled by Christian evangelists who were out to convert people to Christianity.

“I’ve been a DAP member since the election, and nobody has tried to convert me,” he said.

He pointed out that the majority of DAP members were either Buddhists or free thinkers.

He said DAP was an “inclusive party”, pointing out that its Indian MPs outnumber MIC MPs and its Chinese MPs outnumber those from MCA.

He also referred to national laureate Samad Said’s recent entry into DAP, saying it was yet another proof that the party fought for the common good of Malaysians.

“Umno is scared,” he said. “That’s why Mustapa Mohamed made that statement. He’s worrried that there will be more Malaysians who will realize that DAP, with its Pakatan Rakyat partners, fights for everyone regardless of race.”