Selangor PAS demands TV Alhijrah apologise for portraying party as 'extreme'

 

Selangor PAS has demanded a public apology from TV Alhijrah for allegedly portraying the Islamist party as “extreme”.

Its information chief Zurk Ahmad claimed that the “agenda setting” in the programme - Dhomir TV - in its video titled “Tolak Ghuluw” (reject those who exceed reasonable bounds) was unethical and malicious.

Therefore, Zurk (above) said TV Alhijrah must apologise for the mistake of broadcasting a video that “misleads Muslims and deviates from the real truth”.

“In the video, it depicted PAS as a party that is extreme in politics.

“When in fact, PAS is one of the oldest political parties in the country which is moving within the framework of a democratic Parliament, constitutional monarchy on top of the Federal Constitution and existing laws.

“The agenda setting in the video is highly unethical, malicious and irresponsible,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Checks by Malaysiakini found no mention of the party or its leaders’ names in the video published on June 8.

Altercation and confrontation

The video, which lasted about seven minutes, however, included a clip of an altercation between PAS and BN supporters.

It began with footage of a chaotic brawl in the Taiwanese parliament on May 17 over chamber reforms.

The narration stated that “ghuluw” in politics created endless division.

The narration continued, accusing such groups of “using slander made from lies as weapons to gain power”.

This narration was accompanied by footage of a verbal confrontation between PAS and BN supporters.

The six-second footage, which also involved Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, is believed to have been taken during the campaigning period of the Kemaman parliamentary by-election on Dec 1.

Considering action

Zurk said TV Alhijrah should carry the true message of Islam when receiving materials and before broadcasting the contents.

“It is clear that TV Alhijrah has failed and needs additional training to improve operating procedures in the future.

“Selangor PAS would like to emphasise that we have identified the producer of the Dhomir TV programme, who produced the irresponsible video and are considering further steps and actions against them,” he added.

Malaysiakini is attempting to contact TV Alhijrah for a response. - Mkini