Mosque speech: Futile for Fahmi to cry slander, says preacher

Independent preacher Ahmad Dusuki Abd Rani has dubbed the legal action initiated by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as futile.

The legal action is over the allegation that the minister gave a political talk at a mosque in Rawang, Selangor recently.

Commenting on a letter of demand purportedly sent by Fahmi (above) to him and another individual over the matter, Dusuki said the minister should instead apologise to the Selangor Sultan and Selangorians, in general.

“He (Fahmi) has gone to extreme lengths to accuse me of slandering him. This is a futile attempt.

“He has clearly admitted, and there are photos of him talking in a mosque in Rawang, Selangor. Whatever the case, I have yet to receive the letter of demand,” Dusuki wrote on Facebook today.

“I’m ready to face this. I advise everyone to get their popcorn or Super Ring ready to see the drama.”

Independent preacher Ahmad Dusuki Abd Rani

Fahmi yesterday sent a letter of demand to Dusuki and the owner/administrator of Facebook account “N13 Kuang”, for claiming he gave a political talk at the said mosque on July 30.

Fahmi, who is also Pakatan Harapan’s communications director, demanded, among others, for the slanderous statements be withdrawn, and for an open apology from both individuals within 24 hours.

If these demands are not met, Fahmi’s representatives have been instructed to file a defamation suit against both individuals immediately.

The minister earlier denied giving a political speech in the mosque, explaining he was asked by mosque congregants to explain the controversy surrounding British band The 1975.

Police probe

Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan confirmed there were no elements of political campaigning in Fahmi’s speech at the mosque on Sunday.

The case is being probed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as Section 500 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, Dusuki, in yet another Facebook post, said the issue is not whether Fahmi gave a political or religious speech, or explained The 1975 concert controversy, but the action taken against the latter.

“The police should act quicker against the minister, like how they acted against the (caretaker) Kedah menteri besar before this.

“Speaking and preaching inside any mosque or surau in Selangor must be sanctioned by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), and even those permitted to do so can have the privilege revoked.” - Mkini