Politicians from both sides of the divide are up in arms over the front page of The Star yesterday, which carried the title "Malaysian terrorist leader" while incorporating an unrelated photograph of Muslims praying.
Although both items appear to be unrelated, the newspaper has attracted critics such as Pahang Umno Youth head Shahar Abdullah, who recognised that both items were unrelated, but warned that readers could be easily confused.
"It can lead to the wrong interpretation. It was as though The Star was referring to Muslims as terrorists by placing both items together on the front page," he said in a statement today.
Regardless of whether this was intended or not, Shahar urged The Star to apologise to all Muslims and promise never to let this happen again.
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) youth wing leader Mohd Sany Hamzan said The Star's front page clearly made Muslims look bad and that the newspaper had gone overboard.
"The front page looks as though they were trying to link Muslims in this country with terrorism," said Mohd Sany in a statement today.
He said that the newspaper does not paint a right picture of Muslims, because Islam abhors extremism and violence.
Mohd Sany too urged The Star to apologise for causing confusion and portraying Muslims in prayer as terrorists.
PKR Youth leader Wan Ji Wan Hussin said the front page paints Islamd in a negative light.
"Violence is not an Islamic trait but there are irresponsible Muslims who present Islam as a violent religion," he said in a statement.
"I am a Muslim and I am anti-violence, anti-racism and against an cluture which creates enmity between those from different races and religions," the religious scholar said.
Even so, he said, he frequently has to face non-Muslims and non-Malays who accuse Muslims and Malays of racism and violence.
He said such the daily's front page perpetuates this conundrum.
Revive ISA
Meanwhile, the youth wing of Malay rights pressure group Perkasa advised The Star to apologise to stop the issue from festering.
"Whether it was intended or otherwise, Wira Perkasa advises the The Star to be more careful and be careful of sensitive matters.
"The matter has gone viral on social media and has attracted negative comments from Muslims who view The Star as linking terrorism with Muslims in general," said Wira Perkasa head Azrul Akmal Saharudin.
Azrul Akmal added that the Internal Security Act 1969 must be revived in view of the increasing number of attempts to insult Islam.
"This is happening because there are no legal instruments similar to ISA which could control the spread of incidents which could threaten unity and peace.
"Wira Perkasa wishes to stress that Islam is based on peace. Any violent activity is un-Islamic and against the Quran and the Sunnah," he said.- Mkini
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