Wanita MCA: Diffuse ethnic tension by sacking Zamihan

Islamic preacher Zamihan Mat Zin should be sacked from the government for his “extremist” remarks to show that the government is serious about alleviating ethnic tensions, said MCA Wanita chairperson Heng Seai Kie.

“Zamihan is the face of religious bigotry, and if left unchecked, this provocateur with his erroneous disparaging remarks about the Chinese community can stir up racial tension.

“Zamihan should be sacked from any and all portfolios to show the government is serious about lowering ethnic tension.

“Otherwise, he may set a bad precedent for others,” Heng said in a statement today.

She said that it is time to rein in people with such extremist views as their remarks could potentially cause the radicalisation of Muslims.

“Meanwhile, it is high time for all quarters to consider the tabling of the National Harmony Bill, to make racial or religious hate speeches an offence.

“Malaysians must practise self-restraint against mouthing racial hatred and religious prejudices besides teaching themselves to be respectful and behave civilly to others of a different race and religion,” she said.

Despite all that, she stressed that the constitutional safeguards on the position of Islam as the religion of the federation and the special position of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak must be retained.

In a speech that was widely circulated online, Zamihan had criticised an unnamed ruler and two state mufti over their objections to having laundrettes that are exclusive to Muslims.

He later clarified that he was not referring to the Johor ruler Sultan Iskandar Sultan

As the Johor sultan was the only ruler to have voiced such objections, it is unlikely that the preacher was referring to anybody else.

Zamihan had also said that the clothing worn by the Chinese community is likely tainted by najis (filth).

It was later revealed that Zamihan was under the employment of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and that he had been seconded to the Home Ministry.

He was arrested by the police yesterday and will be investigated under the Sedition Act, read together with the Communications and Multimedia Act.- Mkini