Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail did not pursue the case of Gerakan member Tan Lai Soon who had said that the Malays were ‘pendatang’, claimed an NGO today.

As such, Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela) today asked the attorney general to give an explanation as to why the case was discontinued.

Pembela deputy chairperson Aminuddin Yahaya said a letter from the police stating that the case will not be continued did not have enough details.

“In the letter, it was stated that the case has been referred to the deputy public prosecutor who has decided that the case will not be continued, without giving any explanation on the reason.

“As such, we urge the AG’s Chambers to explain why the case is not being pursued,” he said in a press conference today.

Tan, in Gerakan’s annual general meeting in October last year, had said that all races, including the Malays, are ‘pendatang’.

He was using the argument to call on Umno members to stop making remarks about the non-Malays being 'pendatang'.

'Selective prosecution'

Aminuddin (right) said that Pembela was concerned the attorney-general was practicing selective prosecution.

“For other cases, action seems to be taken, as though there is
selective prosecution made by the attorney-general.

“This is one of the things that worries us in safeguarding the peace
between the races in the country,” said Aminuddin, who is also Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) deputy president.

He said Pembela will continue to urge the attorney-general to give a clear explanation on the matter, although they will not meet or write any letter to him.

“It is enough that we issue press statements and conduct press conferences on the matter,” he said.

“The attorney general cannot blame Malay and Muslim NGOs if we have a negative view on answers such as this.

"We want to urge him so that there is a clear answer,” he said.