Nurul Izzah's costly remarks

WORRYING STATEMENT: There is nothing courageous or inspiring in espousing the merits of religious freedom for Muslims in the context of Malaysia

Already, PKR -- the smallest party in Pakatan Rakyat -- is caught in a cross-fire between Parti Islam se-Malaysia (Pas) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over conflicting ideologies.

A. Jalil Hamid, NST

DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim's politician-daughter's statement over religious freedom has not only turned unnecessary spotlight on religion but, more importantly, how their party is being perceived by Muslim voters.

Anwar's recent pronouncements on the subject of Muslims and Islam have not helped the struggling Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Islamic agenda, at least in the eyes of their political rivals.

In his most recent comment in a British newspaper, Anwar seemed to agree with a Westerner's view that there is a problem with the psyche of Muslims -- that they are easily enraged and emotional.

To the uninitiated, his inflammatory remark came following violent reaction by Muslims from around the world to a blasphemous video insulting Islam.

In the interview published by The Scotsman, Anwar (whom it described as a modern traditionalist) also "scorns the 'crazy' move by Malaysia's Ministry of Education to publish a guide on how to spot if someone is a homosexual".

This is the same man who sensationally told the Wall Street Journal in January that he "supports all efforts to protect the security of Israel".

We know that the Palestinian issue is something very close to the hearts of Muslims in Malaysia. Any intended or unintended endorsement of the Tel Aviv regime, which is the cause of Palestinian suffering, is a big no-no for Muslims.

Just after that, his party leaders in Penang had to apologise for the controversial K-pop performance by a group of sexily-clad dancers during a party dinner in Bertam, Kepala Batas, much to the embarrassment of their Pas counterparts.

Already, PKR -- the smallest party in Pakatan Rakyat -- is caught in a cross-fire between Parti Islam se-Malaysia (Pas) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over conflicting ideologies.

Pas, as we are all aware, is pushing for hudud and an Islamic state, while the DAP is fighting for a secular state and better rights for non-Malays.

How Anwar is going to balance these contrasting demands (and the squabble over electoral seats among them) ahead of the coming general election is anybody's guess.

But his immediate concern is to try to put out the fire that is raging following impromptu remarks by his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, at a public forum in Petaling Jaya last week.

That comment, which won an applause from the audience and upset some Muslims, could alienate Malay-Muslim voters and further polarise Muslims and non-Muslims in this country.

No doubt there are people who cheered her for her views. However, there is nothing courageous or inspiring in espousing the merits of religious freedom for Muslims in the context of Malaysia.

Any rebuttals in mainstream media against Nurul Izzah's comments should not be construed as waging a smear campaign against her. To be sure, she herself messed things up by trying to play to the gallery.

When Nurul Izzah, the first-time member of parliament for Lembah Pantai and until now a rising star in PKR, accepted the invitation to speak, little did she realise her remarks would haunt her and her party for years.

More worryingly for her, this could be politically costly in her bid to retain her seat. But the damage could be even bigger. For the PKR-led Selangor, a big swing of Malay-Muslim votes in favour of Umno and Barisan Nasional could mean a loss of the prized state.

In the 2008 general election, Pakatan won 36 state seats against BN's 20 seats. Of that, PKR has 15 and Umno 18.

To start with, the PKR leadership is not that cohesive in Selangor. There are two PKR camps in Selangor, with deputy president Azmin Ali not seeing eye-to-eye with party vice-president Nurul Izzah and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Anwar is the so-called economic adviser for the Selangor state government. Sadly, there is no economic agenda to speak of.

The state is also embroiled in major issues, ranging from water supply to the controversial Talam and PKNS deals that have angered ordinary people.

Pakatan leaders themselves have to be blamed if the people decide to turn their backs on them. The tide could be irreversible.