PAS leader stands by 'Thai-style unrest' remark
Published: Apr 15, 2009 10:11 AM | Updated: Apr 15, 2009 12:25 PM
PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar is standing by his remark that Perak could witness unrest similar to Thailand if the state assembly is not dissolved.
PAS secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar is standing by his remark that Perak could witness unrest similar to Thailand if the state assembly is not dissolved.
However, he denied that he was inciting the public to emulate what happened in Thailand which was engulfed in demonstrations last week as supporters of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra clashed with the security forces protecting the 14th Asean summit.
Kamaruddin said he was only urging Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to learn from the protests which the latter witnessed first hand when attending the Asean meet.
"In my previous statement (on April 11), I stressed that if the people are unhappy with how a government is overthrown, the people would gather (on the streets) and take action.
"Thus, I'm saying that from this lesson, it is better for the Perak state assembly to be dissolved and fresh elections be held.
"I stated my concerns that it was not impossible for such a thing to happen in Malaysia," he told the online version PAS party-organ Harakah Daily today.
NGOs wants action taken
Kamaruddin's comments had triggered a firestorm of responses from various quarters, some of whom want him investigated under the Sedition Act.
According to Utusan Malaysia, calls for Kamaruddin to be probed came from the Malay Unity Action Front (BBPM), Malay Professionals Organisation (Prowaris) and Malaysian Pribumi Association (Perkasa).
Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir said Kamaruddin did not cherish 'peace and national stability' and alleged that there appears to be a move towards causing unrest in Perak.
"Don't indulge to much in irresponsible politics. Don’t bring street politics to Perak. They have done it before and they may repeat it," he said in reference to the demonstration in Kuala Kangsar in February.
Zambry however brushed aside suggestions that a police report be lodged against Kamaruddin and instead advised that the latter stop issuing ‘irresponsible’ statements.
Similarly, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday that the public would reject any attempts to cause public unrest as it would affect the economy and security.
An irresponsible threat
And in a blog entry today, MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek said Kamaruddin's remarks were "uncalled for and an irresponsible threat".
He said he was shocked with the statement, especially when it had come from a leader of a party that has always advocated that Islam do not promote violence.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know the vast difference between the political situation in Thailand and that of Perak," he said.
He said that the fall of the Pakatan government in Perak could not be resolved through street demonstrations and violence.
"It is only through a peaceful means of the ballot box that we can resolve the issue," he added.
He also said that Malaysians valued the racial harmony and stability in the country.
"Nobody in his right mind would want to turn our political struggle into violence in order to achieve their objectives.
"We can have our differences of opinions and political outlook but it should never be settled by street demonstration and violence," he said.
However, he denied that he was inciting the public to emulate what happened in Thailand which was engulfed in demonstrations last week as supporters of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra clashed with the security forces protecting the 14th Asean summit.Kamaruddin said he was only urging Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to learn from the protests which the latter witnessed first hand when attending the Asean meet.
"In my previous statement (on April 11), I stressed that if the people are unhappy with how a government is overthrown, the people would gather (on the streets) and take action.
"Thus, I'm saying that from this lesson, it is better for the Perak state assembly to be dissolved and fresh elections be held.
"I stated my concerns that it was not impossible for such a thing to happen in Malaysia," he told the online version PAS party-organ Harakah Daily today.
NGOs wants action taken
Kamaruddin's comments had triggered a firestorm of responses from various quarters, some of whom want him investigated under the Sedition Act.
According to Utusan Malaysia, calls for Kamaruddin to be probed came from the Malay Unity Action Front (BBPM), Malay Professionals Organisation (Prowaris) and Malaysian Pribumi Association (Perkasa).
Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir said Kamaruddin did not cherish 'peace and national stability' and alleged that there appears to be a move towards causing unrest in Perak. "Don't indulge to much in irresponsible politics. Don’t bring street politics to Perak. They have done it before and they may repeat it," he said in reference to the demonstration in Kuala Kangsar in February.
Zambry however brushed aside suggestions that a police report be lodged against Kamaruddin and instead advised that the latter stop issuing ‘irresponsible’ statements.
Similarly, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday that the public would reject any attempts to cause public unrest as it would affect the economy and security.
An irresponsible threat
And in a blog entry today, MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek said Kamaruddin's remarks were "uncalled for and an irresponsible threat".
He said he was shocked with the statement, especially when it had come from a leader of a party that has always advocated that Islam do not promote violence.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know the vast difference between the political situation in Thailand and that of Perak," he said.He said that the fall of the Pakatan government in Perak could not be resolved through street demonstrations and violence.
"It is only through a peaceful means of the ballot box that we can resolve the issue," he added.
He also said that Malaysians valued the racial harmony and stability in the country.
"Nobody in his right mind would want to turn our political struggle into violence in order to achieve their objectives.
"We can have our differences of opinions and political outlook but it should never be settled by street demonstration and violence," he said.
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